Carers and Cared For, The Arts Project 2009 ran from February - April 2009 for carers and the people they care for. This unique opportunity provided a space where together the participants could access arts workshops, providing time out from the normal weekly routine and raising the experience and confidence of everyone involved. The project was about the participants having fun together and finding shared experiences, not about providing respite away from each other.
Following the success of a similar project last year, this ten-week block of music and movement workshops had our feet stomping, hands clapping and voices soaring high into the clouds! Taking us away from the norm, the sessions were a welcome focus to the week, enabling everyone to enjoy creative sessions together.
During each session we explored a variety of instruments and sounds including ukuleles, boomwhackers, hand chimes, djembes and shakers. We sang familiar songs and excelled in creating our own original songs, composing words, melodies and accompaniments.
Inspired by the individuals involved, we used our compositions to talk about our hobbies and daily routines. Each week was great fun and full of laughter. As we laughed at ourselves and with others, we developed new skills each week.
Our favourite song, 'The Falling Down Blues' was sung at home between sessions by participants to each other. It was something familiar that all involved, including those with Dementia, remembered!
Workshops encouraged both individual expression and team work. Musicians Phill Howley and Beci Jamieson designed and adapted the programme of work throughout to best suit the participants.
Each week new instruments or songs were introduced, giving a broad musical experience to all involved. The group was regularly asked for feedback during the sessions to find out how the activities made them feel and what they did or didn't enjoy. Here are some quotes from the group.
"I like the ukulele – I can make a noise and keep up!"
"It cheers me up and makes me feel happy"
"It'll be a sad thing when it comes to an end!"
"It's been a while since I've had anything to laugh at - I laughed a lot today!"
"I didn't think I'd ever stick with it, but it's become a way of life"
"I'm really impressed with the therapy of music!"
"I don't have to worry about what others think because we're all in this together."
"It's been nice to meet people going through similar experiences. We've been able to help each other"
The project was funded by the Community and Carers Development Team, DMBC and was run in partnership with darts.