The idea
We will provide expert creative sessions for people living with dementia in Kent who are isolated, in crisis or experiencing a sudden loss of communication skills.
Whether delivered at home (or care home), or in an inpatient setting, sessions will be tailored to each individual's needs. We will work with people living with dementia, loved ones and professionals to develop a picture of our participant's strengths and interests, and match them to one of our diverse, outstanding artists.
We've been running sessions at home for people living with and affected by dementia since 2020. This project will bring a series of 5, 90-minute, 1-1 creative sessions to 12 more vulnerable people living with dementia and their families, using the power of the arts to measurably boost mental health and resilience.
No one living with dementia should feel overlooked or alone. With your support, we can continue to bring creativity, connection and hope directly to the people who need it most.
What we'll deliver
- 60 bespoke 90-minute 1-1 creative sessions (5 sessions each) to 12 people living with dementia in Kent
- Commission professional artists to provide personalised sessions in participants’ homes
- Deliver creative sessions directly to people who are housebound, in crisis or socially isolated
- Enable at least 8 family carers to either participate in sessions or take flexible respite time during delivery
- Facilitate shared high quality creative experiences for people living with dementia and loved ones
- Introduce participants to inspiring new creative techniques and art forms, building confidence and creative skills
Why it's a great idea
Our creative sessions will: Measurably Boost Mood; Support Feelings of Personhood, Independence, Being Valued, Achievement; Provide Transferable Approaches to Communication; Inspire Self-Motivation/Ongoing Creative Hobby; Support Strained Family Relationships/Provide Respite.
Our approach enables carers to take part in shared creative activity or take flexible respite, helping loved ones recharge, reconnect and support one another.
Evaluation data from our previous 1-1s shows significant improvements to mood during and after sessions. Our independent evaluator also found our approach raises expectations of what people living with dementia can achieve, building confidence and challenging societal stigma. This project will bring these benefits to those most in need.
Research shows high-quality, challenging creative activity improves self-esteem, confidence and caregiver wellbeing (Richards; West; Windle). As one participant shared: “The 1-1 sessions gave us an outlet and a relief."
Steps to get it done
- Matching our first four beneficiaries to their artists
- Wellbeing baseline assessments, DBS checks, Risk Assessments completed
- Sessions commence
- Create music, poetry, painting, dance and more together
- Capture feedback and developing artworks through audio, video and photography
- Take post-programme wellbeing measures and feedback at the end of five sessions
- Match our next four beneficiaries to their artists
