Residents flex their artistic skills in new initiative

Residents from Kerria Court care home and Holmpark care home in Birmingham attended an arts session at the Midlands Arts Centre 

The sessions are set up for over 65s and are all dementia friendly. Those who attend are introduced to a range of different art mediums from poetry to painting. This month’s focus was on poetry and everyone in the session created their own poem with poet Laurette, Jasmine Gardosi. 

Residents had previously expressed an interest in being more artistic and getting involved in the community. By attending the sessions, they can pursue new hobbies and learn new skills. The popularity of the sessions is also increasing with more people requesting tickets – which will give residents even more opportunity to meet new people. 

Ruth Southall, Wellness Co-ordinator at Anchor, said of the sessions

The dementia friendly sessions support residents in exploring the arts and making friends along the way.

We recognise that learning new skills and experiencing new things are all important factors in a fulfilled life. Our care homes are always looking for new ways to engage residents. Attending arts sessions at a local arts centre is just one example of how we support residents with their interests and growing their personal network. 

You can find out more about our approach to wellness and activity here.