CVA Nature Hub: Dementia-Inclusive Outdoor Program

The CVA Nature Hub is a welcoming, nature-based program for people living with dementia, their carers and community volunteers. The program supports people to spend time outdoors, connect with nature and with others and help look after this beautiful environment. Delivered by Conservation Volunteers Australia in partnership with Glenorchy City Council and the Venture Out Living Lab at the University of Tasmania, with weekly activities at the Chigwell Community Garden and nearby natural areas.

About the project

The project will commence on October 5th and offers weekly supported sessions for people living with dementia and their care partners over three months. Each session is structured, but flexible and paced to suit different interests, abilities and energy levels. Activities may include gardening, growing native plants, sowing and growing vegetable seeds, composting, guided nature walks, wildlife observation, weeding, tree planting, bio char making, and other gentle environmental volunteering tasks.

Who the program is for

People living with dementia	A safe, friendly place to enjoy time outdoors, take part in meaningful activities – familiar and new, and connect with other people.
Carers and care partners	An opportunity to share positive experiences, build routine, meet others and support wellbeing in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Community volunteers	A chance to help create an inclusive community, support nature-based activities and learn how to volunteer respectfully alongside people living with dementia.

What to expect

Eash session will run from 10am until 1pm on Mondays – you are welcome to stay for the whole time, or just drop in for an hour or 2.

Small-group sessions led by Conservation Volunteers Australia staff, who have undertaken dementia education.

Clear routines, gentle pacing and activities tailored to individual capability.

Support for carers and care partners to also participate alongside .

Dementia-inclusive communication and wayfinding supports.

A sensory-rich outdoor environment that supports connection with nature for stimulation and for rest and restoration.

Please note: only social support is provided -no clinical treatment, diagnosis or medical care is provided through this program.

Example session

10am – arrive, welcome and registration

10:10 – safety briefing

10:15 – activity (tending the garden, planting, propagation, bush care activities)

11:20 – morning tea

11:45 – activity (nature walk, bird watching, art, journalling)

12:45 – session debrief, pack up.

1pm – depart, or BYO lunch and stay for casual conversation

Why nature connection matters

People living with dementia can face barriers to staying socially connected, active and confident in community spaces. The Nature Hub responds by creating a familiar, supportive outdoor program where people can participate in environmental activities with dignity, choice and purpose. The approach is informed by the Venture Out Living Lab’s research and co-design work with people living with dementia and care partners. More info on this work – https://ventureout.dementia.utas.edu.au.

For people living with dementia

You are welcome to join in at your own pace. You can garden, walk, observe wildlife, help with simple conservation tasks, or simply spend time outdoors with others. The program is designed to be respectful, predictable and supportive, with staff available to explain activities clearly and make adjustments where needed.

For carers and care partners

Carers and care partners are encouraged to participate. The program provides a shared activity that can support connection, routine and wellbeing. It also offers opportunities to meet other people in similar circumstances and contribute to feedback that helps improve future dementia-inclusive nature programs.

For community volunteers

Community volunteers play an important role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Volunteers help with setting up activities, supporting gardening and conservation tasks, welcoming participants and helping the group feel comfortable. All participating volunteers will complete dementia inclusivity education sessions, provided by the Venture Out team, before supporting sessions.

About the site

The Chigwell Community Garden and adjacent Faulkners Rivulet bushland area are located at 11 Karambi Street. Unless otherwise notified, we will always start our day in the community garden.

The garden itself is flat and easy to navigate, with grassy areas, formed pathways, seating areas, toilets and shelter. When we venture out into the adjacent bushand area, you can expect some wet ground, uneven terrain, long grass and a nearby small creek.

The nearest bus stop is on Allunga Rd at Midson Place, and from there it is a short 2-3 minute walk to the garden.

From time to time, we may visit other nearby sites. We will always give you plenty of notice, provide clear directions, and make sure you know where to meet and how to access the activity.

CVA will provide morning tea and hot/cold drinks for every session.

Safety and support

All sessions are delivered by trained staff under Conservation Volunteers Australia’s ISO 45001:2018-certified Work Health and Safety Management System. Staff complete risk assessments, provide safety briefings, tailor activities to participant capability and maintain appropriate support during each session. Feedback from participants and care partners is welcomed throughout the program and used to improve delivery.

Project partners

The program is supported by funding from Primary Health Tasmania (Tasmania PHN) through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks program. Delivery partners are:

Conservation Volunteers Australia: program delivery, volunteer support and safety management.

Glenorchy City Council Natural Areas Team: local site support and connection to Chigwell Community Garden and surrounding natural areas.

Venture Out Living Lab, Wicking dementia Research and education Centre, University of Tasmania: dementia-inclusive practice, education, evaluation and research.

Program outcomes

A safe, inclusive Nature Hub aligned with dementia-inclusive principles.

Improved nature and social connection for people living with dementia and their care partners.

Opportunities for gentle physical activity, cognitive stimulation and restoration.

A stronger evidence base for community, nature-based dementia supports.

Greater local volunteer capability to support inclusive environmental activities.

Link to Frequently Asked Questions.

Get involved

To express interest as a participant, carer or community volunteer, contact Renae Riviere [email protected] at Conservation Volunteers Australia for upcoming session details, eligibility information and volunteer training requirements.