Quotes
“It is an introduction to interesting new activities, things we haven’t done before, didn’t think we could. The social side is important – we meet people with the same symptoms, make friends, share experiences – laugh! We don’t want it to stop.”
Two women with young-onset dementia who attend the textile workshop
“The pottery workshop has an extraordinarily powerful, enabling effect on the elderly client group. For both the staff and participants this is a precious resource, the benefits of which are incalculable.”
Nurse working with the elderly mentally ill"He gets pleasure from the gardening; helping design, planting. He has gained more confidence, and ideas for his own garden. With like-minded people he isn’t embarrassed by his mistakes.”
"Pottery is challenging for him - fun - each week is different.”
“We both look forward to the dance group - a social time, company. I have learned to dance, and my husband can dance or play table tennis. Valuable for us both. I can relax with him happy; he is happy and relaxed when he gets home.”
“We have lots of fun. Of all the work I do these workshops are what I enjoy most.”
Artist-in-residence“I wouldn’t miss it.” Best group of the week.” “This is my favourite group”.
Patients attending the textile workshop in the Eating Disorders Unit“It is rewarding to see patients blossom from being timid, quiet, lacking in confidence, to active participants, joining confidently with others both socially and in the art work.”
Artist-in-residence working with patients in the Eating Disorders Unit“Participation in an arts workshop allows older patients to try new things at a time when they may think this is not an option, and that in itself is exciting and stimulating for them.”
Nurse working with older people in a day-centre