Art therapy sessions extended to help more people with dementia across Wiltshire

Popular art therapy sessions set up to support people living with dementia have been expanded in Wiltshire thanks to support from the Trowbridge based charity, Alzheimer's Support.

A weekly art group has been running successfully in Pewsey for the past 3 years, but now due to popular demand, a new group has been started in Holt, near Bradford on Avon, to allow more people to benefit.

Dementia art therapy

The Art Therapy Group in Holt

Art provides an enjoyable and uplifting activity for people to express themselves creatively and can help reduce tension and stress. The groups provide a social opportunity for people with early to mid stage dementia and their carers to get together and enjoy a stimulating couple of hours that can really enhance relaxation and promote a sense of wellbeing.

Art can be therapeutic for people with dementia, who are still able to be creative and enjoy colour, texture and form when other skills may be lost. It’s also very beneficial for people to get together socially and have an enjoyable time together in a group. All our groups are very friendly and people can work at their own pace or just do their own thing in the company of others.
Babs Harris
Alzheimer's Support Chief Executive                 

The Pewsey group takes place on Wednesday mornings at Bouverie Hall, and
the Holt group at Firlawns Care Home in Holt, Melksham on Thursday mornings. 

No previous artistic experience is needed to enjoy the groups. Everyone works at their own pace and the emphasis is on enjoyment, with fun and laughter along the way.

Both groups are led by art therapist Sarah Weeks who provides inspiration and ideas, though people can work on their own projects if they prefer. The groups are funded by the Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation and Morrisons Foundation and everything needed is provided, though a small charge is made to help cover the cost of materials.

“Our art group at Pewsey has been so successful that we were asked for some time to provide a similar group in the west of the county, so we were delighted to get the funding in place and to have found such a good venue. It’s a joint venture with Firlawns and the first time we have run a group for people living in the community in a care home environment. It’s a lovely room and it’s working out very well” added Ms Harris.

For more information, and to view a brochure on the art therapy groups, click on the link here to visit the Alzheimer's Support website, or telephone their office on 01225 776481.
http://www.alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk/services/art-group.html

Swindon Dementia