CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY | MAKE LIFE BETTER
Practical details
Sessions are fully interactive, combining presentation, discussion and activities.
There will be space to talk about your personal circumstances as we explore ideas to support you and your loved one.
Online courses are split into 2 x 1.5 hour sessions, held over consecutive weeks.
In-person events last 3.5 hours, with space for a cuppa and chat.
"Although we were in different parts of the country it felt like
we were all in one room together.”
Caroline, Creative Toolkits participant, 2023
Course content
Memory and the ageing process
The emotional experience of a dementia diagnosis
A “self-first is not selfish” approach to caring
How to connect through creativity
Where to turn for advice and support
By the end of the session, you will have a personal tool kit for responding to the challenges ahead.
You will also be invited to join a community for future mutual support and creative inspiration
Why creativity?
Engaging in creative tasks alongside another person can be a richly rewarding experience.
Instead of focusing upon results, we learn to simply enjoy each others company, without the pressure of making conversation or trying to get things 'right'.
In his book Dementia Reconsidered, Tom Kitwood talks about 'meaningful occupation'. He says that we need to feel like our lives are worthwhile if we are to have peace of mind.
Creativity offers us the potential for this and so much more. Joyful, soothing, peaceful or fun - it can do it all!
Chris's story
Chris had been living with Alzheimer's disease for some time, when I joined the team of support workers visiting him at home.
It took time to get to know him, for him to become comfortable with me being there.
Creativity was the bridge between him barely engaging in conversation and us moving to a point of easy companionship.
Flicking through gardening magazines, together we designed a new layout for the back garden.
Watching The Ladykillers every day for a week brought comfort and joy,
He told me stories of growing up in South Africa. He taught me how to boil and butter parsnips.
Together, we found ways of enjoying our time. It became a win-win arrangement, one that I'll always remember with fondness.
Online
Wednesday April
24th + May 1st
7 - 8:30pm
Introductory offer: £35
Saturday June
8th + 15th
7 - 8:30pm
Introductory offer: £35
Thursday August
8th + 15th
7 - 8:30pm
£50
Friday October
4th + 11th
7 - 8:30pm
£50
Monday January
20th + 27th
7 - 8:30pm
£50
Questions?
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