This simple activity is a great way to connect people and bring back memories. It works well taking place around a big table in a communal space, but equally people could make elements in their own space to be added to the finished artwork. For example, in a bedroom in a care home.
Credit:
The Berkshire Nursing and Care Home, Four Seasons Health Care Group.
Familiar, well-known tunes can be used to facilitate singing together, even when you don’t know all the words. By changing or completely removing the ‘original’ words to the song, you can make it fit any circumstance!
Credit:
Manchester Camerata / Music in Mind.
A simple activity that works really well in pairs. Depending on the level of need and/or confidence, the activity could be undertaken by the participant and a family member or friend with minimal support.
Credit:
Hoot Creative Arts / Andrea Freeman. Developed in partnership with Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees companionship groups.
A fun and lively dance activity encouraging movement, dancing and physical exercise. There is no wrong or right way to participate – just move to the music, feel energised and remember the sights and sounds of the seaside.
Credit:
Yorkshire Dance / Ellen Turner, Rachel Clarke & Musician, Will Fletcher. Developed in partnership with The Grove and Red Court Care Home.
An absorbing and gentle visual arts session using collage techniques to capture people’s experiences and thoughts of holidays. It provides an opportunity for people to be creative, explore their imaginations, and create a postcard to share.
Credit:
Equal Arts / Rosi Thornton. Developed in partnership with Ambleside Residential Home.
This versatile communal activity combines visual art with movement, through live or recorded music. You can adapt this activity in different ways depending on your context and resources.
Credit:
Entelechy Arts / Florence Peake, Shane Waltener, Sarah Jarman, Malcolm Buchannan-Dick, Rainer Knupp, Cai Tomos. Developed in partnership with Tower Bridge Care Home, and as part of Lewisham Creative Ageing Festival.
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.
