Hundreds of people with dementia in Twickenham will benefit from art therapy aimed at boosting their wellbeing, stimulating memories and tackling isolation.
The weekly sessions at Dalemead Care Home, in Riverdale Gardens, will see trained art therapists lead residents through a variety of group activities which could include drawing, craft work or music.
They will be run by the charity Talitha Arts and funded by a £77,000 grant from City Bridge Foundation – London’s biggest independent charity funder.
City Bridge Foundation chairman Giles Shilson said: “Talitha Arts is a charity with many years’ experience of using the power of art to benefit people’s mental health and wellbeing.
“This funding will make a big difference to the lives of hundreds of care home residents by encouraging them to be creative and by reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common among people with dementia.”
The grant will also support community showcase events where the artwork created by residents will be displayed, allowing them to connect with the community and have their work recognised.
Talitha Arts executive director Jenna Thorne said: “To have funding for this project for five years is really transformative for the care home and the residents who will benefit.
“The sessions spark memories they wouldn’t otherwise access, keep the brain activated and stimulated and provide social interaction and a feeling of community.
“We get some really great feedback from people who take part and their families – their mood improves and they feel a lot more happy and joyful.”
Sarah Withey, Dalemead care home manager, said: “This project offers such a wonderful opportunity for our residents to have their precious memories unlocked. The residents have really come on in leaps and bounds since taking part in the art therapy sessions.”
