A powerful new exhibition exploring the experiences of people with dementia and their families in mental health wards will open at OPEN Ealing Arts Centre from 3–5 July. Coming Together in Crisis brings together stories, images, objects and creative works co-created with people affected by dementia, offering a rare insight into a little-known part of the care system.
The exhibition forms part of the FIND ME study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research and led by the University of West London (UWL). The project explores the experiences of people with dementia and their families before, during and after admission to mental health wards.
Most people living with dementia and their families have never heard of these wards before they need them. Admission is often sudden and unexpected, taking place during a period of crisis. For families, the experience can be distressing, made more difficult by a lack of information about why their relative has been admitted and what will happen next.
Although there are more than 200 dementia mental health wards across the UK, public awareness of their role remains limited. FIND ME aims to improve understanding of these services while supporting improvements in the care people receive within them.
A central focus of the research is the role of families and carers. While they are often the people who know the individual best, they can be excluded from care and decision-making. FIND ME is bringing together staff, families and people with dementia to identify ways of creating more collaborative and compassionate approaches to care.
Co-created with people affected by dementia
Many of the works on display have been developed with members of the Inpatient Dementia Experience Group, whose lived experience has helped shape the FIND ME project from the outset. Their stories and creative contributions sit at the heart of the exhibition, offering perspectives that are rarely seen or heard.
Through photography, personal objects, written reflections and sensory materials, visitors are invited to consider the realities of admission, the challenges of ward life and the moments of connection, care and humanity that can emerge during difficult circumstances.
Special events and workshops
The exhibition will also feature an innovative collaboration with Dr Martha Baldon of the University of St Andrews and her project Leaving an Impression, which explores how touch can support communication, memory and emotional expression for people living with dementia.
As part of the exhibition, Dr Baldon will lead Touching the Past: A Medieval-Inspired Mapping Workshop from 1–3.30pm on Saturday 4 July, inviting participants to explore memories and experiences through tactile map-making.
The exhibition also showcases original illustrations and animations created by students from the University of Plymouth’s Illustration programme, inspired by stories shared by family carers. Their work offers fresh visual perspectives on dementia and mental health care.
From 11am–1.30pm on Sunday 5 July, artist Maha Shami will lead Everyday Joy: A Dementia-Friendly Zine-Making Workshop, bringing together people with dementia, families and community members to celebrate moments of joy and connection through creative activities.
A space for reflection and understanding
By hosting the exhibition at OPEN Ealing Arts Centre, the FIND ME team hopes to bring research into a community setting where people can gather, reflect and connect. Visitors will encounter stories that challenge assumptions, deepen understanding and highlight the importance of improving experiences for people with dementia and their families.
Professor of Ageing and Dementia, Emma Wolverson said:
“Through the FIND ME study and this exhibition, we want to raise awareness of dementia mental health wards, services that many people only encounter in moments of crisis, and often know very little about. By working in partnership with people with dementia, families and staff, we have co-created an exhibition that brings these often-hidden experiences into the open. Coming Together in Crisis is an opportunity for everyone to learn, reflect and connect, and we warmly invite the community to join us.”
