Publish date: 4 June 2026
During Dementia Action Week, we were delighted to be invited to a special event and garden party at Willow House. The event celebrated the completion of a garden transformation project supported by Mersey Cares which includes a memorial to the team’s beloved manager, Toni Moore.
The garden party brought together patients, families and staff to officially open the newly refurbished outdoor space. Last year, with support from Mersey Cares, the garden was transformed through the purchase of new garden items and a dedicated Volunteering Day, involving corporate partners Canon and Mersey Care staff.
This collaborative effort has helped create a calming, welcoming outdoor environment that offers patients (many of whom are coming to terms with diagnosis) as well as their families and staff, a peaceful space for reflection, rest and connection.
The Dementia Action Week event also featured a range of stalls and information tables offering support to people affected by dementia and their families. This included Admiral Nurses, who showcased items from their lending library, which was also funded by Mersey Cares.
Seeing the garden in full use was a wonderful moment, with outdoor seating and charity-funded patio tables and chairs enabling everyone to enjoy the space together – and take shelter under the large parasols when a brief shower interrupted the sunny celebration.
Mersey Cares also worked alongside valued Mersey Care partner, Howden, to provide party food for the event including sandwiches, cakes and other savoury snacks. The locally based insurance broker was keen to support services further following involvement with our Easter Egg Appeal and recent skydive for Mental Health Awareness Week
Melanie Davis, Team Manager for the Older Adult Community Hub in Whiston, said:
“We hosted our garden party for patients' next of kin and families as part of Dementia Action Week. It’s an opportunity to get everybody together, share information and socialise and enjoy this beautiful outdoor space made possible thanks to the support of our Trust’s charity, Mersey Cares.”
More support for Willow House
Over the past 12 months, Mersey Cares has also supported Willow House in several additional ways. This includes funding items to enhance cognitive stimulation therapy sessions and providing resources to support people living with dementia, such as fidget toys, clocks and other sensory items. These resources can be used alongside or in some cases instead of medication, helping to offer a calming distraction for patients experiencing distress.
This Volunteer’s Week, read more about the incredible transformation at Willow House made possible through the generosity of our volunteers: Volunteering Day transforms Willow House Garden into calming sanctuary :: Mersey Care Charity
Think Mersey Cares might be able to support your service? Get in touch for a chat: charity
