The National Brain Appeal’s 'Rare Space' Garden

Good Cause
Inspired by

About the garden

The Designer

Charlie Hawkes

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Charlie Hawkes

The National Brain Appeal’s ‘Rare Space’ Garden has been designed alongside people living with rare dementias, using their lives to inspire a space that will foster autonomy, hope and encourage activity among people affected. These are non-memory led dementias that can make seeing, understanding, and moving confidently through physical spaces extremely challenging.

The result is a space of contrasting materials to help identify and locate structural components and a simple layout that offers a balance between exploration and calm navigation. Central to this is a level path which turns through the garden, offering along its way three seating areas with visually contrasting shelters of various colours to promote independent wayfinding. Soothing water features, positioned next to each of the seating areas, will also enhance the restful environment.

Together these elements will showcase a bespoke environment for people living with rare dementias, so they can find a place of enjoyment and refuge in a challenging world. The garden highlights the exceptional work of the charity in funding world-leading research to address and support those with rare dementias and other neurological conditions.

A garden inspired by

The National Brain Appeal

The National Brain Appeal helps people affected by neurological conditions by funding pioneering research, innovative treatments and world-class facilities at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Institute of Neurology in Queen Square, London. Rare Dementia Support is a service funded by The National Brain Appeal that provides information, advice and support to people and their families living with rare dementias.

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Garden Rehoming

Where can you visit this garden after the Show?

The garden will eventually be relocated to The National Brain Appeal’s new Rare Dementia Support Centre in London. The charity is committed to raising £7 million to create the world’s first centre of excellence for rarer dementias. The ‘Rare Space’ garden will ultimately form part of the new centre allowing visitors to retreat into a rare, safe and calm space as they manage their dementia and receive treatment, advice and support. In the meantime, the garden has been relocated to Exbury Gardens in Hampshire.

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“This experience has been such a positive and uplifting way to bring our charity into people’s lives, raise awareness of our work, and create incredible memories for our team, supporters and visitors alike. Creating the garden at RHS Chelsea was perfect timing to focus attention on our capital appeal to create the world’s first Rare Dementia Support Centre and has led to generous donations and support as a result.” Eva Tait, Major Appeals Manager, The National Brain Appeal

Tom Stuart-Smith
Garden Designer