Imagine Therapeutic Arts is a community-based studio in Stroud, Gloucestershire. For over 15 years it has been offering a supported studio practice for people, with or without any artistic experience, who intend to develop their creativity as a way of improving their health and wellbeing. Through this time and a programme of structured groups and workshops, Imagine has developed an artistic-therapeutic community.
Studio members can self refer or be referred by other health organisations. The spirit of the project is based on inclusivity, welcoming people of any age, with different physical and/or mental health issues, alongside people with disabilities and/or sensory impairments. Therapists are working side by side with studio members, artists and volunteers.
Some of the support groups focus on adults and particularly the elderly: since June 2023 we have been running a group called 'Silvers and Carers' – a creative space specifically designed for adults and elderly people with memory problems or any form of dementia and their care givers.
We are looking for funding because often the finances of this group of vulnerable people is stretched by the extra costs of care and having to reduce and even give up work in order to care for the person with a diagnosis. We invite donations from the participants but it is not obligatory as we know it is not possible for everybody.
