Hafod has introduced immersive “Jolly Journey” experiences at two of its care homes, helping residents living with cognitive impairment, such as dementia, reconnect with joyful and comforting memories.
We believe that a good home and a strong community are crucial for wellbeing. This is particularly important in care homes, where creating environments that feel familiar, welcoming and engaging can make a meaningful difference.
Recognising the potential of immersive environments to support wellbeing, we have introduced the Jolly Journey experience at Woodcroft Care Home in Cardiff and Cwmbran House Care Home in Torfaen, making them the first care homes in south Wales to introduce the experience, which is a product created by Little Islands.
The installation recreates the experience of travelling on a vintage railway carriage, combining realistic visual scenes, sounds and sensory elements to create an immersive environment designed to stimulate memories and conversation.
Since the Jolly Journeys were installed, colleagues at both Cwmbran House and Woodcroft have seen a range of positive changes among residents, including reduced agitation and anxiety, increased verbal communication, improved mood and emotional expression, and greater engagement in group activities.
The experience has also provided colleagues with new opportunities to lead meaningful activities, while also creating an engaging experience for visiting family members.
For some residents, the railway experience has created an immediate and powerful connection to their past.
At Woodcroft Care Home, resident George, who previously worked on the railway has been particularly transported by the experience, reconnecting with an important part of his working life.
At Cwmbran House, another resident, Jaqualine, described the experience as “like stepping back into my younger days,” after it sparked memories of travelling for work during the 1950s.
The journeys have been designed to feel as realistic as possible, allowing residents to choose from different experiences and become immersed in a familiar setting. Railway journey imagery is combined with authentic sounds, while large screens create the impression of looking out of the carriage window. Residents might see children waving as the train passes, or pass by a football pitch, small details intended to make each journey feel real and encourage memories and conversation.
Joni Castle-Canavan, Operational Lead for Care at Hafod, said;
“A good care home is about much more than the physical environment. It’s about creating somewhere people feel comfortable, able to be themselves and enjoy meaningful moments with those around them.
“For people living with dementia, or other cognitive impairments, familiar sights, sounds and experiences can provide a powerful connection to memories and identity. We have seen some really encouraging responses to the Jolly Journeys so far, from residents becoming calmer and more engaged to conversations being sparked by memories from many years ago.
“What has been particularly lovely is seeing colleagues and visitors become part of those experiences too. It gives everyone an opportunity to connect with residents through their memories and interests.”
The Jolly Journey experience was created by Richard Benson, Founder and Managing Director of Little Islands, who has more than 40 years’ experience working with people living with dementia.
Richard began furnishing care homes in the 1980s and quickly recognised that themed environments could play an important role in dementia care. However, he felt many existing approaches were not sufficiently stimulating or meaningful for residents.
After being asked to design a sensory room, Richard began exploring how environments could recreate experiences that were immediately recognisable and emotionally meaningful.
Richard shares;
“The seaside was an early inspiration, reflecting the happy memories many people associate with holidays and trips to the coast. This thinking eventually developed into the Jolly Journey concept.
“The philosophy behind the experience is simple, the everything should be as real as possible.
“From the appearance of the carriage to the sights and sounds experienced during the journey, every detail is designed to stimulate multiple senses and evoke positive memories, while also providing a distraction from feelings of anxiety, sadness or distress.”
The introduction of Jolly Journeys forms part of Hafod’s wider commitment to creating person-centred care environments that support wellbeing and connection.