Tall Poppies is a heart-warming and innovative project that brings together local primary school children and dementia patients in community hospitals, using nature as a bridge between generations. This unique initiative creates meaningful interactions through craft projects, discussions, and hands-on explorations of the natural world.
The project has been developed by Isa Lamb, CEO of social enterprise King’s Garden, and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Although the initial funding ended in November 2024, the impact of Tall Poppies is undeniable, and there is hope that with further support, the project can continue to enrich lives.
Tall Poppies matches carefully selected primary school children with dementia patients at local hospitals, fostering mutual understanding, compassion, and joy. Each session follows a carefully designed structure, ensuring a supportive, engaging, and enriching experience for both young and old.
Each gathering revolves around a specific animal, bird, or aspect of the natural world. Whether discussing the habits of moles or marvelling at the flight of birds, these topics spark curiosity and create a common ground for conversation and learning.
Dementia wellbeing workers will devise craft projects that encourage both children and patients to work together. These activities provide opportunities for gentle, hands-on engagement, allowing participants to express themselves through creativity while enjoying a sense of achievement.
Whenever possible, sessions take place outside in nature, giving participants a chance to experience the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world first-hand. Fresh air, birdsong, and the simple joy of being outdoors adds another layer of enrichment to the experience.
The children and patients can form genuine connections, exchange stories, experiences, and laughter. One young participant previously shared:
“I like talking to the patients because it’s kind and they are kind back. They tell me a lot of things, like about football, and I like football – I support Liverpool! It’s just really good fun.”
In earlier sessions, many dementia patients who were previously uncommunicative became animated and engaged when interacting with the children. Our sessions provide stimulation, joy, and comfort, breaking through the barriers that dementia can create.
A dementia wellbeing worker explained:
“We have patients who are uncommunicative, but the children come here, and these patients come to life.”
The experience of spending time with dementia patients helps children develop empathy, patience, and confidence in interacting with older people. It also demystifies dementia, making the condition feel less daunting.
A teacher involved in the project has noted:
“The children get a lot from these sessions and they help the patients, but they also learn so much from them – it’s lovely to see.”
Staff members on dementia wards can see first-hand the positive effects of nature-based interaction.
One ward manager has reflected:
“It is one of those heart-warming situations where everyone gets something positive from it. We are always thinking of things that can stimulate the minds of our patients, and this really does that. It’s lovely to witness.”
The success of Tall Poppies lies in its ability to bring people together in a way that feels natural, joyful, and deeply meaningful.
Director, Isa Lamb explains:
With its proven success in fostering intergenerational connections, Tall Poppies is a project that deserves to continue and expand. Securing funding would allow the initiative to reach more schools, hospitals, and communities, ensuring that more people benefit from the healing power of nature and the bonds it creates between generations.
We welcome collaborations with schools, healthcare providers, and community groups to expand the programme.
Financial support will allow us to continue delivering these life-enhancing experiences.
Raising awareness about the power of nature to connect people helps us build momentum and secure future opportunities.