For hundreds of people affected by dementia, sitting in the sunshine and enjoying the great outdoors with their loved ones, friends and neighbours can have a profound impact on their mental wellbeing.

That was the driving force behind the Big Green Picnic, a nationwide campaign launched this summer by homecare provider Right at Home UK, in partnership with Dementia Adventure.

Over the last three months, dozens of offices across the Right at Home network have been hosting this special event in their local areas, bringing together clients, care professionals, families and community groups to enjoy time outdoors, spark conversation and create special memories.

The Big Green picnic was piloted in May at Meadowbrook Care Home in Bishop’s Stortford, where Right at Home Stevenage, Bishop’s Stortford & Braintree laid on an afternoon of sensory activities, live music and flower arranging.

The event brought together over 30 residents and clients, plus staff, volunteers and local supporters.

Franchise Owner Chris Neal said: “The picnic was a fantastic success, thanks to the incredible support from Dementia Adventure, Meadowbrook Care Home, and all the local groups who came together to make the day special. It couldn’t have been better.”

The pilot was followed by garden gatherings and beach barbeques across the country, from Cheshire to Bournemouth and several towns and cities in between.  

Kate Dilworth, Head of Network Development at Right at Home, said the campaign reflects the network’s shared commitment to making an invaluable difference in people’s lives.

She added: “This is what Right at Home is all about: creating moments of connection that go far beyond traditional care. The Big Green Picnic isn’t about big budgets or elaborate planning – it’s about giving people the chance to enjoy time together in nature, and our partnership with Dementia Adventure is already making a real difference.”

The campaign launch follows the announcement of Right at Home’s partnership with Dementia Adventure in April.

Dementia Adventure supports individuals with dementia and their families by providing supported holidays and outings, such as Green Letter Days.

These initiatives bring families together for dementia-inclusive days out, with excursions ranging from sports spectating to kayaking trips.

Alongside the Big Green Picnic, Right at Home care teams across the country have been going above and beyond to support the charity this year, through local fundraising efforts.

In Ilkley, Keighley & Skipton, the team took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, raising over £1,000. Meanwhile, in Guildford & Farnham, care professionals completed a fire walk, raising over £2,500. 

And Right at Home UK’s annual charity golf day, held at Sandwell Park in Bromwich, saw more than £6,000 raised throughout the day, with golfing experiences sold at auction.

Right at Home UK will support Dementia Adventure through various initiatives over the next three years.

Lucy Campbell, CEO of Right at Home UK, said: “Dementia Adventure is a wonderful charity whose work really does challenge perceptions and help people living with dementia to enjoy an improved quality of life. We recognise huge potential for our franchise teams to build upon the positive impact that their services have, and to benefit their local communities on a wider scale, through the many exciting projects that we are working on together.”

Fiona Petit, CEO of Dementia Adventure, stated: “With support from Right at Home franchises, Dementia Adventure will enable many more people living with dementia to enjoy the beauty, fun, and sense of adventure that come with connecting with nature and the great outdoors.”