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