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 · 07/09/2026

Step outside. The weather, the seasons, Nature and all things out doors can create so many moments of connection. Ever changing scene just out the door. #AlzChat

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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

Eating peaches with everything. Picked over 100 in few days.

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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 · 27/04/2026

I’m part of webinar for #DememtiaTrainingAustralia in a series for the @Australian Gov.Dept.health, disability & aging.’ Principle 3–Access the outdoors’, from their ‘National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines’.Join me 30/4 2-3pm AEST, or watch recording www.health.gov.au/resources/we...

health.gov.au

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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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Reposted by Debbie Carroll

The Dirt | Horticulture News Daily @thedirtnews.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

RSPB guidance is reshaping how we support birds, with the RHS issuing updated advice challenging long-held habits & highlights risks of well-intentioned feeding…full story here on changing guidance, disease concerns, market implications & how to really help birds.... thedirt.news/garden-birds...

thedirt.news

Garden birds at risk: RHS aligns retail and advice with new bird health guidelines

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has issued updated recommendations for gardeners on how to support birds through planting, alongside new guidance on supplementary fee...

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Reposted by Debbie Carroll

Dementia Community @dementiacommunity.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

🌟 Join us for our free webinar 🌟 🪧 10 reasons to embrace gardening, your secret weapon in living with dementia 🗓 Monday 13 April 2026 ⏰ 2–3pm (UK time) 💷 Free to attend 👉 Register here: buff.ly/vzpWJVm 💙 Support us: buff.ly/1jdos7T #dementia #gardening #health

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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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Reposted by Debbie Carroll

Dementia Community @dementiacommunity.bsky.social · 15/02/2026

📣 The UK Dementia Awards 2026 - Have you nominated yet? 🌟 Nominate now for the Dementia Research Award. Submit your nomimation today! 👉https://buff.ly/Fi96Kez Find out more: buff.ly/b8UAE19 Nominations Close on Friday 27 February 2026, 5pm. Don't miss out! #UKDA #Dementia

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Reposted by Debbie Carroll

napaactivities.bsky.social @napaactivities.bsky.social · 31/01/2026

The first NAPA Handbook for Meaningful Engagement is now published and available on Amazon. Created to support activity providers and care teams to deliver engaging, inclusive and purposeful experiences for individuals in care settings. You can order your copy on Amazon here: amzn.eu/d/j4oNtFK

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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 · 13/02/2026

Alicante my main favourite but also Bloody Butcher, Sunglasses and Mountain Magic. Can never have enough tomatoes- salads, soup and ketchup all to enjoy.

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Reposted by Debbie Carroll

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

Do you struggle to support residents to engage with the garden beyond the summer? We help get past the myths and create a positive risk assessment approach. This is the last week to book for our joint workshop with @dementiaadventure.bsky.social so why not book your spot now. tinyurl.com/hzvv838w

stepchange-design.co.uk

Workshop: Why don’t we go into the garden? – A Garden Adventure - Step Change Design Ltd

Joint event with Step Change Design & Dementia Adventure Event Date: 12/2/25 Time: 9.30-1pm, arrival from 9am Location: The White House Care Home, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Southampton, SO32 2DP Earl...

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 09/02/2026

The garden is just another room but do you struggle to step into it? Our in-person workshop this week with Dementia Adventure explores this and so much more about getting outside more, enabling everyone to gain from the health benefits to be had there. We've still some places so why not join us?

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

stepchange-design.co.uk

Workshop: Why don’t we go into the garden? – A Garden Adventure - Step Change Design Ltd

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 29/01/2026

Looking forward to this event. Why not join us and explore how to engage residents in the garden more.

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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 · 22/01/2026

Our latest newsletter is out. If you haven't signed up take a look the visit our website. preview.mailerlite.io/preview/7752...

preview.mailerlite.io

Get an exclusive look at our new video!

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 19/01/2026

Thank you for sharing. Hope you enjoy and find them of interest. Watch out for how our research question at the start flips at the end of each video.

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Reposted by Debbie Carroll

Dementia Community @dementiacommunity.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

🌟 Latest news 🌟 Step Change Design launch videos about their garden research findings. Step Change Design has shared three short videos on research and tools supporting care home residents to step outside when they choose. Read more here: buff.ly/wgqtJIY #StepChangeDesign #DementiaFriendly

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Reposted by Debbie Carroll

Beth Britton MBE 💚 @bethyb1886.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Do join us for this fab webinar! 👇🏼 I'm hosting and very much looking forward to hearing from (and moving with!) Joe and Tony from Burns Gym. A super, free learning opportunity for everyone #socialcare #healthcare #dementia #ageing #fitness #movement

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 16/01/2026

Not old and the round formed head means drilling just seems to slip off. So frustrating.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 16/01/2026

Thank you for this. I'm probably OK on this but stuck a step before.The old broken handle is fixed with a rivet through the metal shaft casing.I can't get a saw inside to cut it and the heads both sides are round top with no way to remove that I can work out.This stops me slotting the new handle in.

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Debbie Carroll @stepchange-design.co.uk · 16/01/2026

I keep my old spades and forks planning to put new handles on but can't get the old rivet out. Any advice?

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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 · 09/01/2026

Last day for early bird rate, why not join us on 12/2 for this exciting workshop near Southampton.

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

I love snow, sadly non here just the wet and wind. But love the image of people pulling up a chair to watch. Our weather provides constant conversations and connection to the outdoors.

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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

Early bird rate extended until 9/1/26. Take a look at this interactive event.

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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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