Back in March 2013 Future Roots and Bournemouth University began to search for a special person who could undertake a crucial stage in our develop: the independent evaluation of our programmes.
By the end of the year we had found both our candidate and the funding for them to conduct their research. And in January of this year our three-year research programme began.
Our funders
Our research project is funded by a joint Bournemouth University (BU) Dementia Institute-Psychology Research Group studentship and by the Nineveh Charitable Trust:
- BU’s Dementia Institute focusses on: dementia awareness and knowledge translation; dementia-friendly environments; improving services and care provision; demetnia-friendly leisure; and leadership, education and staff development.
- BU’s Psychology Research Group focusses on cognitive science as well as health and wellbeing.
- The Nineveh Charitable Trust is a private grant maker based in Kent. The Trust supports, among other causes, the promotion of our understanding of the countryside, whilst facilitating improved access, education and research.
Our researcher
After a competitive call for applications, we were pleased to welcome Sarah Hambidge to our team.
Sarah is an energetic, creative and professional individual, who has a sound social science background and an honours degree in Sociology with Social Research. Since graduating from Plymouth University Sarah has managed a wide variety of research projects in the private and commercial industries, and has a a broad project management, business development and marketing experience in conjunction with her research skills. Sarah’s specific research interests include health promotion, hard to reach groups (young adults and older people) and community working. Sarah has worked on several high profile projects including the evaluation of Dementia Friendly Communities in Dorset and the ‘Be Clear on Cancer Campaign’ for Bristol PCT.
Sarah’s PhD is to explore the benefits of the care farm model at Future Roots, on improving physical and mental health outcomes for older people with mild cognitive impairment/dementia and behaviorally-challenged young people, and improving intergenerational interaction.
Sarah will be supervised by Dr Andy Mayers, Prof. Anthea Innes and Future Roots’ Director, Julie Plumley.
