‘Our Day Out’, the fortnightly dementia-friendly workshop project, continues to push forward with a wide range of free activities to engage older people across the Norfolk area. Delivered by professionally trained arts practitioners, musicians and dancers, the project is run by arts and community development charity Creative Arts East, with special funding from Spirit of 2012.

The sessions welcome all older people, and are also supportive of those living with early to mid-stage dementia (and their carers), as well as older people living with long-term health conditions, or those who feel isolated within their community. The ‘Our Day Out’ groups are based in Attleborough, Watton, Dereham, Thetford, North Walsham and Wells. The sessions are tailored so that they are accessible and beneficial for everyone to experience something new, in a safe and friendly environment.

So far in 2017, the groups have been enjoying making-music by combining electronic and acoustic instruments with Paul and Les, as well as creating uplifting songs and lyrics to some fantastic beats with Joe and Carl. The groups have also been enjoying some fun and entertaining dance sessions with Green Candle and Glass House Dance Company, specially devised to benefit and engage the whole body with gentle exercise.

These are some recent comments from people who have been to the ‘Our Day Out’ sessions

“Why didn’t anyone tell me this was this much fun when I was younger!”

“I enjoy being in the company of younger people at the sessions because I don’t get the chance nowadays”

“Even though my dementia isn’t that bad yet, it’s so nice to be here to see others that have the same thing as you. Sometimes I forget my words when I talk to people but when I am here I don’t have to worry about that”

‘Our Day Out’ sessions are all about having fun and feeling good afterwards, and Creative Arts East are keen to hear from older people who would like to join these friendly and inclusive creative activities. There are also opportunities for people who would like to become involved as volunteers, and help someone smile this summer.

In September, the groups will be taking part in some special ‘love themed’ Tea Dance events with Spilt Milk Dance Company and which will involve arts and crafts, cake, dance performances, games, and (optional) fancy dress! Friends and family of those coming along are most welcome too!

For more information on the sessions or any of the ‘Our Day Out’ groups, please contact Lea Schiller at Creative Arts East on 01953 713390 or email [email protected]. More information is also available on www.creativeartseast.co.uk/projects/our-day-out

NOTES 

1. ‘Our Day Out’ September sessions:

Attleborough – Friday 8^th Sept. 10am-12pm (Music Workshop) and Friday 22^nd Sept. 2pm-4pm (Tea Dance event) , St Mary’s Community Hall, Church Street NR17 2AH

Dereham – Friday 8^th Sept. 2pm-4pm (Music Workshop) and Friday 22^nd Sept. 10am-12pm (Tea Dance event), The Meeting Point, St Withburga Lane, NR19 1DF

North Walsham – Thursday 14th Sept. 1pm-3pm (Singing workshop) and Thursday 28^th Sept (Tea dance), 1pm-3pm, Cameo Café, 73 Happisburgh Road, NR28 9HD

Thetford – Friday 1^st Sept. 2pm-4pm (Singing workshop) and Friday 15^th Sept. 2pm-4pm (Tea Dance Event), Thetford Methodist Church, Tanner St, IP24 2BQ

Watton – Thursday 7^th Sept. 2pm-4pm (Music Workshop) and Thursday 21^st Sept, 2pm-4pm (Tea Dance Event), Watton Christian Community Centre, 57 High Street, IP25 6AB

Wells-next-the-sea – Tuesday 12^th September 1pm-3pm (Singing Workshop) and Tuesday 26^th Sept. 1pm-3pm (Tea Dance Event), Wells Community Hospital, Mill Road, NR23 1RF

2. The ‘Our Day Out’ programme has received funding from Spirit of 2012, an independent trust established with Big Lottery funding, Norfolk County Council, North Norfolk District Council and Breckland Council, to provide high quality and engaging opportunities for older people.

3. Creative Arts East is an arts and community development charity founded in 1994 with the focus of taking the arts into rural communities. Creative Arts East works throughout Norfolk, Suffolk & the East running Creative Arts East Live! & Village Screen – rural touring schemes for live performance and cinema; and a variety of projects concerned with creative learning, health & wellbeing and volunteer development.

For further information go to:

Website: www.creativeartseast.co.uk