July 14, 2025

New Tools, New Energy: A Visit to Cornerstone Benwell’s Dementia Group

Harrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison visited Cornerstone Benwell recently to see firsthand how our donation has helped enhance their much-loved Sturdy Foundations Group. The visit was a reminder of why the Harrison Foundation exists –  to support projects that deliver real, lasting impact within communities.

Thanks to the funding from the Harrison Foundation the team at Cornerstone have been able to upgrade their facilities in meaningful ways. Most notably, the dementia group’s woodworking session now has a full set of brand-new, matching workbenches and tools.

For those who attend this group, woodworking is much more than a hobby. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with familiar skills, engage with others, and experience a strong sense of routine. For visitors to Cornerstone living with dementia, that structure and order can make all the difference in ensuring sessions feel supportive and empowering rather than overwhelming.

The impact of woodworking as a therapeutic activity is well documented. It helps maintain motor skills, encourages memory recall, and promotes confidence. But most importantly, it offers a sense of accomplishment, qualities that can be difficult to access for those living with dementia. At Cornerstone Benwell, that sense of achievement is celebrated every week, one project at a time.

Speaking during the visit, Daniel said: “It was great to meet Amy and the team at Cornerstone and hear from them how the equipment is being used to support the local community. I was really impressed by the wide range of activities held at the Cornerstone community centre and how well attended they are. Charities like Cornerstone do such a fantastic job in their communities and it’s a pleasure to support them.”

The Sturdy Foundations group is already looking ahead, with plans for more sessions. We’re proud to be part of that journey. The Harrison Foundation is committed to supporting grassroots projects that make a difference in people’s lives. Cornerstone Benwell is a perfect example of how a modest investment, in the right hands, can produce a profound and positive impact.