A SOMERSET farm is helping people with dementia and their carers enjoy the countryside.

Magdalen Farm, a charity in South Somerset, offers day trips for adults with dementia and their carers and is urging people to get in touch - particularly those struggling during the coronavirus crisis.

"We all know how difficult this prolonged period of coronavirus restrictions has been for many people and can well imagine the added challenges that people with dementia and their carers are facing," said a spokesperson for the charity.

"Feelings of isolation and loneliness are all too common for this group of people, add to that the stopping of day care provision and worries over the pandemic, and we have a recipe for stress and anxiety."

The farm, in Maudlin near Chard, will be hosting safe day trips, to just two households at a time, throughout August and the beginning of September.

The farm trip will involve some gentle activities including seeing and feeding the friendly farm animals.

The farm’s goat herd has two recent additions; Primrose and Daisy were born less than two months ago and need cuddling to acclimatise them to people.

There are eggs to collect, flowers to smell, vegetables to harvest and the beauty of the farm to enjoy.

"Each visitor will feast on a delicious, nutritious home-cooked lunch using mainly organic ingredients," the spokesperson added.

"There will also be a chance to do some gentle cooking."

Magdalen will plan the visit according to the abilities, interests and energy of their visitors.

Somerset County Gazette:

Visitors will be able to come to the farm for the morning until after lunch or from lunch until the afternoon.

Booking is required and the first day trip is on Monday, August 3. Contact Rebecca on 01460 30144, or email rebecca@magdalenfarm.org.uk for more information or to make a booking.

The trips are part-funded by Somerset County Council and each person will be asked to contribute to the cost.

Somerset County Gazette: