This activity takes a simple concept to create an accessible activity that can be set up in any environment and which everybody can take part in. It works well as a warm-up or as a starting point for something bigger.
Credit:
Royal Exchange Theatre Elders Company / Gordon and Jackie.
An easy experience to set up that can be enjoyed by anyone. It can be done in a group whilst chatting or framed as a relaxation activity to be done with one person.
Credit:
Spin Turn Creative Movement.
Inspired by a traditional craft from South America, the process of making these woven ‘God’s eyes’ (‘Ojo de Dios’ in Spanish) is very simple once the sticks are secure. They can also be joined together to create wall hangings.
Credit:
Avondale Care Home.
Pressed flowers preserve a moment in time and can be used to create a piece of art using flowers from your garden or an old bouquet. The activity can be used to create prints or cards for loved ones.
Credit:
Woodland Manor Care Home.
This fun movement activity takes inspiration from Argentinian tango to create a sequence of movements, which is inclusive and uplifting.
Credit:
EDNA | Energise Dance, Nourish Art / Luci Napleton. Developed in partnership with the Forget-Me-Not Café.
This activity is a social occasion and an opportunity for people to develop and tap into their creative skills.
Credit:
Lincroft Meadow Care Home.
Object balancing helps build hand-eye coordination, balance, body and spatial awareness as it requires you to coordinate your movements to keep the object upright.
Credit:
Upswing. Developed in partnership with Silk Court Residential Home, Anchor Care Homes.
A storytelling activity that brings people together to share experiences of relationships, friendship, care and love. It can develop into a joyful, gestural choreography, adaptable to a variety of different needs.
Credit:
Moving Memory Dance. Developed in partnership with House Residential Home Canterbury, Medway Age UK, Thanet Age UK, and Community friends of local primary schools.
A basket of sensory items can easily become an instant way of connecting with the people. People are naturally curious about what’s in the basket and it can become a source of curiosity opening up delight, memory and stories.
Credit: Maria Harvey-Lavin / Roaming Aromas. Developed in partnership with C&C Care Homes.
There is nothing like a tambourine round to focus a group of people and bring their attention into the here and now. It is suitable for everyone and can be repeated and practised for as long as the participants are enjoying it.
Credit: Manchester Camerata: Music in Mind.
This activity invites participants to design their own superhero characters, then create a percussive sound effect or rhythm to go with their superpower. The sounds can then be added to a live narrative or individually recorded and added to a podcast, for example.
Credit: Andrea Vogler. Developed in partnership with Made by Mortals, who are part funded by Action Together, in partnership with Hearts and Minds Theatre Company.
This activity was originally developed as part of a series of sessions exploring our homes and community. It is especially engaging for people with dementia who may respond well to more sensory elements.
Credit: Jen Harris / Small Things Creative Projects. Developed in partnership with The Fed.
