Forget Me Nots Cognitive Stimulation Therapy brings joy and connection at The Meadows

At the Meadows, a Norse Care housing with care scheme in Bowthorpe, every day is built around creating moments of connection, joy, and meaningful engagement.

One shining example of this is the Forget Me Nots Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) programme. This in-house group activity is designed to support wellbeing, confidence, and social interaction for tenants living with cognitive impairment, and it’s making a real difference.

Sheila and Peter, sister and brother-in-law of Sylvia, who resides at the Meadows and attends the sessions, shared:

“We come to the Forget Me Nots group and it is so lovely to see how much everyone enjoys it. Everyone looks happy, which is wonderful to see, and we always leave feeling happy ourselves.”

Jill, one of the participants and Meadows’ tenant, added:

“It’s the best place ever! I love it and I love it here.”

Caroline Winson, Team Leader, leads the Forget Me Nots sessions and serves as both an active listener and a voice for The Meadows. She explains the value of family involvement: “Having family members attend the cognitive stimulation therapy sessions alongside their loved ones demonstrates consistent engagement and has worked wonders within the group activities. They interact positively with both staff and participants, contributing to a supportive and inclusive environment. Their involvement reflects the strong sense of community and family culture here at The Meadows.

There is a real sense of humility, enjoyment and enthusiasm throughout each session, shown through everyone’s willingness to take part in discussions and learn more about the positive impact of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy. The laughter, conversations and shared memories during reminiscence activities are incredible to witness. Overall, their involvement enhances not only their own experience and understanding, but also that of the wider group, highlighting the therapeutic and social benefits of these in-house sessions.”

Caroline added:

“I am incredibly proud to be part of this and deeply passionate about the difference these sessions make.”

The Meadows management team celebrates the difference these sessions make every day. Emma-Marie Smith, Deputy Manager said: “We are extremely proud to see the positive impact that the Forget Me Nots sessions continue to have on our tenants and their families. Creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, shared experiences and emotional connection is an important part of life at The Meadows. The positive effect these sessions have on wellbeing is truly evident, with the enjoyment, confidence and connection shown by those attending demonstrating just how valuable and effective they are. Seeing tenants, relatives and staff enjoying these moments together reflects the caring, supportive and inclusive environment we strive to provide every day.

We are also incredibly grateful to Caroline for the dedication, passion and hard work she puts into developing and delivering these sessions. Caroline has shown outstanding commitment in implementing this programme and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure it is meaningful, engaging and beneficial for those attending. The difference she makes is clear to see, and she is a real credit to The Meadows and to Norse Care as a whole.”

At The Meadows, the Forget Me Nots sessions bring together smiles, shared memories, and heartfelt connections, creating moments that truly enrich everyday life. Each session is a reminder of the power of community, the joy of inclusion, and the difference that thoughtful, compassionate care can make.