All aboard for a seven week project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund to discover if engaging in arts activities together would allow carers and the cared for to be equal and give everyone a chance to 'just be me' by encouraging individual expression.
Arts activities were combined with regular 'health checks' where participants reflected on their input and the benefits of the sessions.
This built in feedback became part of the culture of the project, a natural part of the session where everyone could talk openly and honestly about their feelings, sharing past and present experiences. Time was taken to value each other and the relationships in the group. Here's some of the group's comments...
"It is good to be able to be free and just be yourself with nobody judging you."
"It is insightful and helps with our understanding of what is going on in our relationships. It helps us see the bigger picture."
"Everyone lets go... allowing themselves to be free to see beyond their role."
"It's been a wonderful, moving, non-patronising experience."
Despite the short time scale, the project had a powerful impact on the participants and allowed a change in perceptions, acknowledgement of each others capabilities, increased confidence, independence and pride in achievements.
Our dream is to work with similar groups over longer time scales and design workshops that focus on behaviours and relationships and offer support to carers in partnership with current support services.