The programme includes 150 activities, such as motor racing, table tennis and quizzes. Participants can also watch a sunset or stargaze.
The Happiness Programme was created by Social-Ability, whose managing director John Ramsay said: “The projector can even be projected onto people’s bodies or bedsheets so there’s a huge sensory side to it.”
Mr Ramsay was 12 years old when his father was diagnosed with dementia in his early 50s, and he said launching the programme in 2020 had personal meaning for him.
“We want it to spark laughter and happiness and help do the things we take for granted.”
Mr Ramsay also said it could be more suitable for dementia patients than wearing a virtual reality headset.
“The Happiness Programme brings the virtual experience to the natural world – and some people with dementia also may not also want to wear something on their face and find it confusing when coming back to the ‘real’ world.”
The Hillsborough Wellbeing Centre hosts dementia day services for Age UK Sheffield and the charity’s senior community projects lead, Elsie Ledger, said the programme “really enhanced” the sessions.
