The Hoppiness Project, winners of the Prince of Wales Award 2026
The Hoppiness Project began in 2022 at Alive Activities’ dementia-friendly allotment in Brentry, North Bristol. During a community gardening sessions for older people and those living with dementia, a gentleman living with dementia said he would love “to grow his own beer”. This simple comment sparked the idea to combine therapeutic gardening with community connection and Bristol’s local brewing heritage, creating a meaningful and engaging activity for older people rooted in everyday life experiences.
In 2023 the idea was developed into a pilot project working with two care homes and connecting them to their local community. Residents, most of whom were living with dementia, planted, grew and harvested their own hops, with the support of local volunteers, and the hops were used to produce a collaborative beer through the community-led Bristol Hops Collective. A total of 89 older people participated in the pilot phase.
What began as one resident’s wish to “grow beer” has grown into an inspiring community movement that has already engaged more than 380 older people living in care, while building connections between care homes, volunteers, brewers, researchers and the wider community.
Highly Commended
Bromham Community Hub
Aishah’s Food Charity
Grow for Life