Resources

September 7, 2022

52 weekly activities

Colour and mood

A sensory activity exploring colour and emotion. It is dementia friendly and can help support speech and communication. It can create a space to discuss feelings and emotions, and to stimulate mindfulness.

Credit:

Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums. Developed in partnership with Age UK North Tyneside – Time Travellers Dementia Group.

August 31, 2022

52 weekly activities

A rhyme in time

This activity uses familiar rhymes and rhyming patterns such as well-loved nursery rhymes and limericks as a starting point to create your own. It is good fun and works well in community spaces like libraries, care home lounges and day centres.

Credit:

Writing East Midlands / Michelle ‘Mother’ Hubbard. Developed in partnership Gregory House at Grantham – Orders of St John Care Trust.

August 24, 2022

52 weekly activities

The Berkshire model village

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.

August 17, 2022

52 weekly activities

Song-makers

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.

August 10, 2022

52 weekly activities

Sensory colours

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.

August 3, 2022

52 weekly activities

Seaside shenanigans

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.

July 27, 2022

52 weekly activities

Seaside collage postcards

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.

July 20, 2022

52 weekly activities

Painting with sticks and music

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.

July 13, 2022

52 weekly activities

Objects with meaning

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.