Job Description

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.