Arts reminiscence project bridges age gap
Older people at a Nuneaton Care Home have been learning photography, textile work and ceramics – and making friendships – with a group of local adults with learning disabilities.
The project brings together people from a project called Activ8, to share their artistic skills and experiences with the older residents of Caldwell Grange Care Home, in Donnithorne Avenue; and has been funded through Warwickshire County Council’s Community Arts Project.
Organisers say that the arts reminiscence project acts as a stimulus, triggering memories and improving personal development.
Rachel Flowers, who works with the people from Active8 said: “We wanted to enable people to experience a range of opportunities within the project including photography, textiles and ceramics.
“It’s a good opportunity to share skills and it has mutual benefits,” she added.
Sharon Compton, Activity Co-ordinator, from Caldwell Grange added: “People have made friendships and have found it really enjoyable.”
The group which includes six people from Active8 and 6 from Caldwell Grange, produced photographic self portraits and created intricate frames along with a variety of other artwork which will go into one big collage.
The finished work will initially be on display at Caldwell Grange, and there are also plans to exhibit in Nuneaton town centre later in the year.
Active8 and Caldwell Grange are part of Warwickshire County Council’s service provision for adults with learning disabilities and older people living in the Nuneaton area.