Art projects give a sense of purpose and accomplishment whilst allowing people with dementia to express themselves. This is very much the ethos behind the art sessions run by community artist and published author, Tracy McGuinness-Kelly.

Held in a quiet, relaxing area away from the main group. People with dementia and their carers can take part. This is just one element of the main Friday Drop In Group which was set up 5 years ago by an inspirational individual with dementia who still supports the group each week. Other activities include films, reminiscence sessions delivered by the library, bingo, quizzes, a gentle walk around the cricket pitch, or listening to invited speakers.

The art sessions help to stimulate the senses, can trigger dormant memories and encourage conversation. People are encouraged to plan, remember, create individual pieces of art and use fine motor skills too.

Maureen Hughes from Stockport Adult Social Care runs the Friday Drop In and says that the sessions are benefitting people by offering a calming quieter activity for some people. “Anyone can take part and it allows some of the participants to rekindle their interest in art when it appeared this was lost.”

Volunteer Paul Oakley, helped with the funding of the arts materials by setting up a just giving page. Paul runs seated exercise classes there too.

Tracy says she runs the session using gentle encouragement and a child like approach without being patronising. One of the attendees, Ron said,“ I forget things and when they do come back I want to put them down, to draw them - to remember!”

Up to ten people take part in the art sessions at a time and Asda in Marple help by volunteering one of their employees, Rachel, every Friday morning.The group has quite a few volunteers but always welcome more.

Tracy is surprised at how well the art group is received and has had lots of positive feedback on social media. She said, “The group is very proud of their work, they have amazing pride in what they do.They love the handmade sparkly paper, bright tissue paper and colourful paints we use.” One of the group says, “Tracy encourages you to have a go, especially if you’re not confident. She’s got the patience of a saint.”

Research has proven that art can keep us well , aid recovery and support people to live longer and healthier lives whilst having fun along the way.

People with learning disabilities and /or autism can experience high amounts of anxiety daily. Supporting them by incorporating art and creativity into their lives can give them the opportunity to express themselves, be engaged in what they are doing and give them meaningful focus. Being creative can help focus the mind and has been compared to meditation due to its calming effects on the brain and body.

A weekly art session in my art studio. The aim to help adults tap back into their creativity sometimes long lost or just locked down. This gentle approach to creativity lifts away any insecurities that have built up and allows people to access their own personal creativity and the joy it can bring once found.

My approach is playful and childlike not intimidating in any way what so ever. Every one can enjoy being creative in a non judgmental safe environment. It is such a accomplishment when they find that creativity and then just forget their worries and be in a happy place.

Participation in creative activities can never be under estimated in its positive effects on those struggling with their mental health or finding it hard to cope with life’s difficulties.

I prepped all of the componants and backgrounds for the people in the group.

There was a selection of hats ,scarves and accessories for them to choose from then build their own snowpeople.

They were provided with lots of decorative bits and bobs from recycled christmas cards to embelish the background.

They loved this activity it gave them immiediete satisfaction as their snow people came to life.

I also prepped some painted trees and they were provided with lots of paper ornaments to decorate them

They also had paints and beautiful crayons to further add any more details.

We then put all the work on display , they looked so festive and lots of fun.

Testimonial

Re Tracy McGuiness-Kelly

I run a weekly group for adults with learning disabilities, some members have additional sensory and mobility problems. We are known as Active at Windlehurst and are based at Windlehurst Methodist Church in High Lane, Stockport.

Tracy has run four workshops for this group during the last four years. Before each workshop she has liaised carefully with me, wanting to know the members abilities and special interests. She has readily prepared for the members choice of theme.

Each session has been thoroughly enjoyed by members and volunteers. Tracy arrives promptly, brings all the equipment ready prepared and is extremely well organised.

Even more importantly, Tracy has a lovely manner with everyone. She quickly understands the member’s needs, giving encouragement and assistance where needed. Tracy readily gives praise, arranges wall displays of the members work and even completely tidies up at the end of the session.

We all love Tracy’s sessions, and I would certainly recommend her.

Val Rowlands Leader of Active at Windlehurst