Thank you to everyone who put forward a proposal for the spring Projects of the Year! 

Six initiatives made it through to the shortlist and you voted for our winners. The results are in, and we’re thrilled to announce the two projects that received the most votes are:

  • Sensory Garden
  • Navigo Community Hub

These fantastic initiatives will receive our full support, with a dedicated project team established to focus on their development. We’re incredibly excited to see these projects come to life, and we’ll be sharing updates along the way, so stay tuned! You can read more about the projects below.

Spring 2025 Projects of the Year winners

The project aims to create a dedicated community hub to strengthen engagement, foster peer support, and enhance accessibility for its community and staff membership. Recognising the unintentional reduction in community connection due to factors like location changes and the pandemic, this space will serve as a central hub for interaction, involvement, and information sharing.

Key features and benefits

  • A welcoming, non-clinical space to foster a sense of belonging and ownership
  • Staffed by volunteers on a rota system, providing meaningful occupation and skill development
  • Dedicated Youth Movement space to encourage multi-generational engagement
  • A hub for Navigo groups, peer support, and involvement opportunities
  • Showcase of member-created work and Navigo projects
  • Information-sharing centre for service updates, local social groups, and blue and green prescribing activities
  • Potential partnerships with local organisations for food distribution, clothing and hygiene banks, and skill-sharing initiatives

This project aims to create a ‘heart’ for Navigo, fostering community, co-production, and meaningful involvement in a way that enhances engagement, skill-building, and support networks.

This project aims to develop a sensory garden to support the wellbeing of service users, the majority of whom have dementia. Recognising the therapeutic benefits of nature and outdoor activities, the garden will provide a safe, accessible, and engaging environment that stimulates the senses through textures, colours, scents, and sounds.

Key features and benefits

  • Wildlife-friendly design to enhance interaction with nature
  • Wood sculptures, weatherproof signage, and herb garden
  • Improves mental and emotional wellbeing, reducing anxiety and enhancing cognitive function
  • Encourages physical activity and social engagement for service users, families, and staff
  • Fosters a sense of community involvement

This project will create a therapeutic and inclusive space that enhances the quality of life for service users and strengthens their connection with nature and the community.