Key words: relief, respite, support, anchor, creativity, individuality, nurturing, wellbeing, warmth of feelings. Silvers & Carers is a free fortnightly supportive and creative group for adults and elderly people with memory problems, and any form of dementia, and their care givers. It is run by Imagine Therapeutic Arts, a community-based studio in Stroud, Gloucestershire. The Silvers & Carers group is unique because it offers a creative space for adults with memory problems and dementia (the Silvers), while also providing their care givers (the Carers) with the opportunity to enjoy their own artistic expression, while being supported in their caring role, at the same time in a separate studio. The aim is to offer both groups a much-needed breathing space in an accessible and safe atmosphere. Outcomes for participants: Helps overcome isolation Encourages social interaction and mutual support Gives constructive respite Improves mental health, resilience and wellbeing,

What we'll deliver:

• Fortnightly sessions for a year for adults and elderly people
• A free, accessible, supportive art group
• Creating a sense of belonging to an artistic-therapeutic community
• Creative activities that enable participants to connect to each other
• Establish links with health professionals & social prescribers

Why it's a great idea:

Why it's a great idea: This group provides a space for mutual support and creative expression for both the 'Silvers' and the 'Carers', at a time when these vulnerable people are isolated. Many are stretched by the extra costs of care, having to reduce and even give up work in order to care for the person with a condition of memory loss. Imagine has been running this group since 2023, trialling three monthly sessions during May-July. The sessions were so well received that we ran three more monthly sessions in the autumn term in the same year, as well as three monthly volunteer training sessions to help support the group. Since then, we have been running fortnightly sessions for the Silvers & Carers as well as monthly training sessions for the volunteers. Initially providing support to 5 Silvers and 5 Carers, we now accommodate 14 participants. The two groups are run by expert facilitators, two assistants supported by a team of volunteers, allowing for one-to-one support when needed.

Steps to get it done:

• Advertise the project
• Train the volunteers
• Liaise with health professionals and social prescribers
• Provide specialist art materials
• Secure funding for facilitators fee and volunteers’ expenses
• Cover room hire
• Deliver the project

Feedback from the Silvers: “I enjoyed it. It is nice being in this environment, it’s really helpful.” “It was lovely. You have something you can look at, stick it on the wall.” “I enjoyed it, I just enjoyed it.” “I like the idea of coming once a fortnight.” Feedback from the Carers: “The sessions had a huge impact on my husband: calm, happy, and proud of his work.” “It is what I would call ‘constructive respite’ – i.e. carers are physically separate from the affected person but at the same time sharing.” “This group is amazing! It makes me feel so calm.” “We love these groups, they work perfectly for both of us.” “The group was sensitively facilitated and very gentle in approach. I felt a genuine warmth.” “As a carer the sessions allowed a time to discuss with other carers, families, feelings, issues, problems.” “The studio was an oasis of calm. As soon as we stepped in the door there were people who cared for us both. As a carer it is important to know my partner is safe and happy.”