iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 21/09/2026

I'm excited to be speaking at UK Dementia Congress 2026! My slot will share ‘When a pretty garden isn’t enough’. Why not join me, be great to meet up face to face. To find out more and book your place: journalofdementiacare.co.uk/congress

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 14/09/2026

We are delighted to announce that @stepchange-design.co.uk has been selected as a finalist in the Activtiy Partner category 2027 @napaactivities.bsky.social Activity Awards! We are incredibly proud and look forward to celebrating with NAPA in January. #NationalActivityAwards #NAPAFinalist

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 08/09/2026

@RomseyDAG amazingly friendly and super informative #Dementia event is back this weekend. If you are in Hampshire why not come along. My other 1/2 is playing in a wind band too, lots of entertainment alongside the support and info #carehomes #dementia #gardendesign #culturechange

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 03/09/2026

Take a listen to #ThirdAgeDesign podcast exploring designing for care homes and creating actively used gardens all year around benefiting the residents that live there. Recording live from 4/9/26 thirdage.design #carehomes #gardendesign

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 24/08/2026

Apologies,I haven't done a newsletter since Jan. I do 3-4 year with tips on getting outside more in care homes & updates on our work. Our next will be out next Friday with a special offer on our 'Care Culture Map and Handbook' pack. So signed up at our home page. www.stepchange-design.co.uk

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 11/08/2026

Home grown ‘chuffed’ moment.I grew up in a family where if we didn't grow it we didn't eat it, so I began wanting to grow something different.I started with melons. That 1st melon tasted so good. This years are huge. I love my garden and the meals it provides. This is my happy place where's your?

Debbie Carroll, passionate gardener & garden designer, in her garden holding a huge melon. behind her is her garden with a cold frame and greenhouse.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 03/08/2026

So many lovely things to do in the garden. What gives you joy or purpose? Sit in sun pr shade. Pick produce. Watch wildlife.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 22/05/2026

3/3 Food & drink tastes better outside. Taking a meal or drink outside saw residents stay 80% longer. You’re already serving them so why not simply take it outside & change of venue. For some it may improve appetite too. statistics on our infographic poster #DementiaActionWeek

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 22/05/2026

2/ Stepping into the garden couldn’t be simpler for care settings – if you go with a residents they will stay 31% longer. So what’s stopping you – its good for all of us to get outside. More statistics around garden engagement on our infographic poster #DementiaActionWeek

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 18/05/2026

1/ Take a seat–where there is seating in care gardens residents will stay 20% longer. Have you got plenty? Keep it flexible to sit alone,in a group,in sun or shade. Make them sturdy to aid getting up. Place near doors to aid transition from in to out. More on our A3 infographic poster

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 18/05/2026

I’ll be sharing a few statistics from our study and that appear on our #whydontwegointothegarden A3 infographic poster to help get the most from the garden in care homes during #DementiaActionWeek. Watch this space - or take a look on our website for more info.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 21/04/2026

Come on UK media where are you? As a judge for @dementiacommunity.bsky.social ‘Environmental Design’ Award alongside Victoria Smith #DementiaPathfinders we heard how the finalists support people living with dementia & their carers in innovative and inspiring ways.They made our job really difficult.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 21/04/2026

What are your residents looking at; the TV, the walls? Have you literally turned your back on the garden? We know that even a view of a green spaces can bring benefits to our health and well-being. So why not turn those chairs around and enjoy a view of the garden?

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 21/04/2026

Last month I presented at #Trellis Horticultural Therapy Conference. Mostly I speak in the care sector & so was great to to speak to fellow Horticultural peeps. Horticultural therapists, like me, stand between two worlds combining gardens and care. #horticulturaltherapy #gardens #carehomes

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 20/02/2026

It's great delivering in person workshops and presentations. I’ve lately delivered to Lifestyle leads regional meetings for #CinnamonCareCollection. It's not every day I'm presented with a rose after a presentation. I love in person training, there is richness being in the room with people.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 16/02/2026

Wallabies and those that Wanna be outside more! Fab Workshop last week with Gordon from @dementiaadventure.bsky.social on getting In the garden more and posative risk assessment. Great hearing experiences from group & sharing our research.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 26/01/2026

We won @napaactivities.bsky.social award for Research and Evaluation with #Hallmark Care Homes for integrating our resources into their annual garden competition to drive more person-centred engagement. Huge well done to Georgina Miller & all the teams. #NationalActivityAwards #CareHomeActivities

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 13/01/2026

Where are you wellies, waterproofs & umbrellas? It may be winter but there is still a world outside waiting to be enjoyed, so what’s stopping you? If a person living with dementia wishes to go out and coats etc are not close to hand then all too easily the moment can be lost.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 12/01/2026

Look what we caught on my new wildlife camera. There was a 3rd fox abput too. So excited.

Night vision image of two foxes sat in the garden

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 09/01/2026

When nature is literally on fire - looks amazing out of my office window right now!

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 08/01/2026

Excited to see our joint workshop on @dementiaadventure.bsky.social newsletter, along with lots of other amazing support they offer. Take a look, and why not join our 'Why don't we go into the garden - A #garden Adventure' event on 12/2 near Southampton. mailchi.mp/dementiaadve... #carehomes

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 05/01/2026

In 2025 Hallmark Luxury Care Homes ran through our year,our tools were the criteria for ‘Hallmark in Bloom’ competition,which I helped judge.Winners those with the most person-centred care.We shared this at the UK #Dementia congress & are finalists #NationalActivityAwards, 23/1 winners announcement

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 22/12/2025

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and New Year period. I hope you all get some time to switch off & recharge. Whatever you are doing don't forget to step outside and enjoy a breath of fresh air and the uniqueness of the season,even #winter can share a surprise or two and be beautiful

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 18/12/2025

Get the pop corn! Why aren’t #carehome #gardens more actively used? That was our question,is it yours? Our 3x short videos are live - about our study, the findings & what this means for care homes & #designers to benefit residents lives. Why not take a look www.youtube.com/@stepchangedesign

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 12/12/2025

It was great to meet up at long last with the amazing Sara Livadaes this week, and what a backdrop to our chat of Winchester Cathedral. A chance meeting with the Organist got us into the cathedral gardens - perfect moment to a thought provoking day. #gardens

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 12/12/2025

We’re really excited to be exhibiting at the @napaactivities.bsky.social ities.bsky.social Conference. It's all about Culture & our work about Organisational Culture Change for actively used gardens is a perfect fit. So why not join us Book your tickets here: lnkd.in/etpT4QF2 #NAPAConference2026

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 03/12/2025

After the rain comes a beautiful rainbow on my morning walk. Rainy days may seem off-putting but are often the most sensory. Did you get out today?

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 20/11/2025

Workshop: Why don’t we go into the garden? A Garden Adventure. 12th Feb, venue nr Southampton. A joint event with @DementiaAdv exploring what it takes to create actively used care home #gardens & an overview of positive risk assessments See more at: tinyurl.com/hzvv838w #carehomes #dementia

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 13/11/2025

Dementia Congress is next week. I'll be speaking at parrellel session 2.2,17th,sharing our work with Hallmark Luxury Care Homes on how the garden is being used to drive person-centred care Come & say hit at our stand alongside Dementia Adventure More info or to book: tinyurl.com/mryady86 #UKDC2025

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 06/11/2025

I'll be both exhibiting alongside @DementiaAdv and speaking with @HallmarkCare at this years @JDementiaCare dementia Congress. Are you going, why not join us for an inspiring and informative 2x days. journalofdementiacare.co.uk/events/uk-de... #UKDC2025 #dementia #carehomes

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 05/11/2025

Coming soon, our new videos about our research, tools and wider support. Be the first to see these by signing up to our newsletter at our home page. www.stepchange-design.co.uk #carehomes #gardens #gardendesign

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 14/10/2025

So chuffed to be a finalist for @napaactivities.bsky.social 'Research and Evaluation' awards for our use of our resources with Hallmark care homes. Find out at NAPA Conference and awards in January. Why not join us. lnkd.in/eQfsyJpK

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 09/10/2025

On my way to #Care Show Birmingham. Always time to step in the #garden this autumn morning & even enjoy flowers at the station.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 04/10/2025

Bumper fruit year. 200+ peaches, loads of apples and pears, now 40+ Quince. What to make next? Fruit trees can create not just produce but memories too. What would your residents grow? Give it a go, there is a tree for even the smallest space. Mine are all 2m× 2m.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 30/09/2025

I'm on a panel @careshow.bsky.social Birmingham 9/10. If you're going it would be great to meet up & share a cuppa. I always travel with a few of my books, so if you want to take a sneak peek inside, do get in touch. tinyurl.com/2fstfccs

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 09/09/2025

This years @napaactivities.bsky.socia 'Arts in Care Homes' day theme is'Going Green'. From biodiversity with bug hotels & up-cycling, to the art projects & planting design. There are so many ways to bring green into your resident's day. To take part on 24th September go to: lnkd.in/e6qU579U

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 31/08/2025

What another amazing DemFest, well done @Romsey_DAG. Lots of lovely chats helping to keep the connection with the #garden alive for people living with #Dementia

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 29/08/2025

We'll be at this #dementia friendly event on Sunday, if you are in the area come along. Its a unique event with the feel of a summer fete with loads of info and support around dementia thrown in. Get to take a peak inside our books too & get our free hints & tips flyer #carehomes #romsey #hampshire

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 22/08/2025

The sun is still shining but soon summer will be gone, will you be still going into the #garden? Our Blogs explore: why stepping out is an inside job, avoiding gimmicks, unpicking legacies of fears & becoming truly person in relation to your garden engagement. #carehomes #gardens #dementia

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 05/08/2025

Early start, cuppa & sit enjoying looking at my #garden. Off on 2nd week judging #Hallmark in Bloom garden competition Inc. #Care Culture Map criteria.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 28/07/2025

Off to be a judge #Hallmark #CareHomes #garden competition. They've incorporated our 'Care Culture Map' evidence into criteria this year. Excited to see and hear how They've applied this to benefit residents.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 23/07/2025

Lots of new followers today. Thanks for linking up if your passionate to ensure residents in #carehomes can enjoy stepping into the #garden. #dementia #gardendesign #nopolitics

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 04/07/2025

Mark Rendell and I back together to film our short videos of our research and books. Always love our chats, inspiring and thought provoking. Our study was all the richer for how we seem to be able to probe a problem together. Sign up to our newsletter to hear 1st when out.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 30/06/2025

Stepping into the garden is easy when the sun is shining but how often does this happen once summer is over? Now is the time to learn what it takes to keep the doors open for residents & embed changes needed. Our books & tools support this, get your copy via our website. #carehome #garden #dementia

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 30/06/2025

Latest progress on #garden build at MHA Willersley House #carehome Hull. Raised beds at various heights using #Medite timber, handy garden shed, lots of seating areas & #wildflower bank Planting then the important part - residents enjoying it. #gardendesign #careactivities #dementia

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 30/06/2025

...and for this weeks filming Mark Rendell is visiting. He's my amazing fellow #gardendesigner, #researcher & #author with whom we asked the question 'why aren't #carehome #gardens more actively used, even when designed to the latest guidance?' that led to our findings & forming Step Change Design.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 24/06/2025

Our Care Culture Map is like any Map. Folded to work on key areas, today on train reviewing what to investigate during a visit to 4x care homes over next few days. Or works just as well with teams. Why don't we go into the garden?

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 23/06/2025

Great progress on #garden build at MHA Willersley House #carehome Hull. Amazing attention to detail by Landscape team Acer Landscapes Final stages then the important part - residents enjoying being in the garden and able to do the things they love too. #gardendesign #careactivities #dementia

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 20/06/2025

What a lovely 2x weeks.spending time #ForestCare's Rowan Lodge & #Langham #carehome filming for 3x short videos. It was great to see doors wide open & residents enjoying time in the #garden My thanks to all involved you were all stars🌟 #CareHomeOpenWeek #garden #dementia

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