Main Purpose of the Job:
This is a newly created post funded through the Big Lottery Community Fund.
This varied and interesting role will support our Big Lottery Funded Project Active Connections to deliver a dementia friendly nature programme. Ensuring the programme is co-produced with people living with dementia, their carers, and the wider community. The aim is to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and support meaningful engagement with the natural environment in a safe, supportive, and dementia-friendly way.
The role will focus on creating safe, supportive and meaningful forest-based experiences that encourage physical activity, sensory engagement and social interaction.
Duties and key responsibilities:
- Design and lead weekly nature-based sessions (e.g. gentle walks, gardening, wildlife activities, nature crafts) tailored to the needs and interests of people with dementia.
- Ensure sessions are inclusive, enjoyable, and adaptable to different abilities and stages of dementia.
- Plan, deliver and evaluate dementia-friendly forest and outdoor activities for people living with dementia and their carers.
- Create safe, welcoming and accessible woodland environments tailored to varying stages of dementia and mobility needs.
- Use nature-based approaches to support cognitive stimulation, emotional wellbeing and social connection.
- Build trusting relationships with participants, carers and families, providing reassurance and encouragement.
- Carry out risk assessments and ensure all sessions are delivered in line with health & safety and safeguarding requirements.
- Work collaboratively with carers, dementia support services, health professionals and community partners.
- Promote the Active Connections Forest programme and engage new participants through outreach and awareness-raising activities.
- Maintain accurate records, attendance data and evaluation outcomes for monitoring and reporting purposes.
- Support volunteers and colleagues involved in delivering forest-based dementia activities.
- Contribute to service development, funding reports and continuous improvement of the programme.
- Work as part of the wider Active Connections team, contributing to staff meetings and service planning.
- Build and maintain partnerships with local green spaces, community gardens, wildlife groups, and other nature organisations.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of working with people living with dementia and/or older adults with support needs.
- Strong understanding of dementia, its impact, and person-centred approaches to care and support.
- Experience of delivering outdoor, wellbeing or activity-based sessions.
- Excellent communication skills with a calm, empathetic and patient approach.
- Ability to assess risk and manage group activities safely in outdoor environments.
- Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Good organisational and record-keeping skills.
Desirable:
- Qualification in dementia care, health & social care, wellbeing, forestry, outdoor education or a related field.
- Training in forest school, nature-based therapy or green care approaches.
- Knowledge of safeguarding adults and health & safety in outdoor settings.
- Experience of working with carers and family members.
- First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).
Values & Behaviours
- Compassionate, respectful and person-centred approach.
- Commitment to dignity, inclusion and equality.
- Flexible, creative and solution-focused.
- Strong commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing.
Additional Information
- This role is primarily outdoors and involves physical activity.
- A DBS check will be required.
- Travel to woodland and community sites may be necessary.
- Training and ongoing professional development will be provided.
