Offering an exciting and innovative creative program to the community of Hyndburn in Lancashire. During this program, participants engage in eight weekly activities leading to a two-day exhibition of their work. The project combines the environmental benefits of upcycling waste, specifically food packaging, with the therapeutic benefits of art and craft making to support people who are experiencing social isolation, especially people who live with dementia. Various nostalgic items from times gone by are created to prompt conversation, stories and memories. Vintage telephones, football rattles, and spinning tops from the 1950s. Workshops will take place at Elmfield Hall, Accrington, for eight weeks, each lasting 2 hours. An exhibition of the participants' work will be held over the course of two days.

What we'll deliver:

• Recruiting and supporting volunteers through volunteer services
• Connecting with community networks and social media to create awareness of the project
• Providing eight weekly workshops for reminiscence craftmaking
• Media contact, radio, local newspapers Leaflet distribution, promoting the exhibition
• Two-day exhibition of the participants' work at Elmfield Hall, Accrington, Lancashire
• Evaluation feedback and reflection on the project's outcome

Why it's a great idea:

This project aims to simulate conversations in a practical way for individuals with dementia. Almost a year ago, we piloted the concept with a small amount of funding from a nationwide supermarket. This resulted in positive feedback from carers, families, and people living with dementia. By receiving this funding, we are not only able to produce nostalgic items but also to exhibit them, which have real value for the community.

Steps to get it done:

• Making the public aware of the project by creating awareness
• We will begin our Eight Week Art Making Session at Elmfield Hall
• Exhibiting the work produced for a period of two days as part of the project

A further objective of the project is to establish a sense of self-confidence among elderly people who live in social isolation and improve their well-being. It has been estimated that after the Covid pandemic, there has been an increase in individuals living in isolation and that many people have not been able to regain the confidence to visit a social environment. We strive to offer a safe and friendly environment that is ideal for conversations, interests, and hobbies, and we are dedicated to providing the best possible environment for these.