Zest for people with dementia in Hythe

Volunteering, jobs & education

We have successfully onboarded a dedicated and enthusiastic regular volunteer for our Hythe Group, whose positive impact on our sessions has been invaluable. Additionally, a volunteer from last year's Zest Goes Green Project, who initially joined us briefly back in September, has now returned. They are now contributing as a supporter by bringing her mother, who is living with dementia, to the group. Furthermore, we are thrilled to have welcomed another volunteer from this year's Zest Goes Green, their assistance was instrumental in ensuring Zest Goes Green proceeded safely and effectively To continue to bring in new volunteers, we have advertised on platforms such as Indeed, updated our volunteer flyers, and participated in several volunteer fairs this year.

Arts, culture & heritage

We delivered 40 sessions for Zest Hythe over the last year across a broad spectrum of creative genres. Feedback we've received from participants shows its value and meaning: “Thursdays have not felt the same over the summer, we have so missed Zest and the immeasurable positive impact it has on our lives.” - Hythe Zest Supporter September 2023. “I appreciate that you provide such high quality materials for us at Zest, it is lovely to use such nice things.” - Hythe Zest Participant September 2023. “We did enjoy this afternoon’s session. Zest keeps us going!” - Hythe Zest Supporter October 2023. “As ever, Thank you so much for the inspiring and wonderful sessions.” - Hythe Zest Participant October 2023. “We did have a lovely session today, M loved it! We enjoyed David’s musical arrangements. It was great fun!” - Hythe Zest Supporter November 2023. “I was planning on sending you a message tonight to let you know how much we enjoyed the Zoom Panto with Lisa. It was such fun and a lovely insight into her role as the Bad Queen. We all played our parts and it kept even M down on the settee! I have had Covid (again 3rd time) since last weekend. I did not leave the house today so it was more than a welcome relief to take part in and to see familiar faces without having to go outside.” - Hythe Zest Supporter December 2023. “Amazingly Mum engaged with the screen. It was such a brilliant idea to have the show on-line with Zest friends and direct involvement. It captivated her.” - Hythe Zest Supporter December 2023. “Just a little note to thank you and the Team for organising all the Christmas festivities, the drinks (lovely mulled ‘wine’!) and food. As always we enjoy being part of the Happy Gang. We have made many lovely friends. Zest has become such a big part of our lives that we would be lost without it. Glad to hear that we are returning in January.” - Hythe Zest Participant December 2023. “Many thanks for making this year ‘extra’ special with the activities and your team and guests.”- Hythe Zest Supporter December 2023. “I really enjoyed the singing, the trip to the theatre, gardens and the coffee.” - Hythe Zest Participant January 2024. “Perry’s sessions were so great.” - Hythe Zest Participant February 2024. “Zest has been life saving for us.” - Hythe Zest Supporter April 2024. “Thursday was such fun with our spider web and music.” - Hythe Zest Participant April 2024. “The Hip hop sessions were amazing. It was so different and uplifting. I left last week’s session on a high (like I believe most of us did).” - Hythe Zest Participant May 2024. ”Mum doesn’t always remember the session the next day when I ask her about it but I can tell she’s enjoyed it as her demeanour changes.” - Hythe Zest Supporter July 2024. ”Wake up happy on Zest Days.”- Hythe Zest Participant July 2024. ”Can we sing the Zest Song again?!” - Hythe Zest Participant July 2024. ”We love singing and dancing.”- Hythe Zest Participant July 2024. ”Music brings us together as it’s what our relationship is based on.”- Hythe Zest Supporter July 2024. ”It inspires us to do more of what we’ve done at Zest when we get home.” - Hythe Zest Supporter July 2024 We have also heard from artists who have delivered sessions with us over the past year how enjoyable Zest sessions are; with the ability to explore and try ideas together, co-create, and make art together.

Activity, health and leisure

Our Zest sessions continue to be accessible and inclusive; this year, we've seen and heard participants enjoy the community of our sessions as well as hear about the other activities they are able to take part in - often together.