Sheffield Theatres has launched an all-new project for those living with dementia this autumn in partnership with Enrichment for the Elderly.
Titled ‘Imagination Playground’, the seven-week project will see Sheffield Theatres working with those living with dementia and local primary school children to run weekly creative workshops exploring storytelling. Over the seven weeks, participants will build relationships and share stories and skills, and it will end in a showcase performance held in the Crucible’s Adelphi Room.
In addition, there will be a dementia friendly performance of the Christmas musical spectacular, Guys and Dolls, which will provide a supportive environment for those living with dementia and their carers on Wednesday 8 January at 2.15pm.
Research has shown that engagement with the arts can improve the wellbeing of people living with dementia, for example, music activities help access the creative part of the brain, which can override the stress of memory loss, elevate mood and restore a sense of personal identity.
Claire Murray, communications and fundraising director at Sheffield Theatres, said: “Last year we ran Museum of My Mind, which also brought together young people and older people living with dementia. The resulting project created an improved sense of well-being in participants and greater understanding between the generations, as well as a vibrant and engaging sharing of their creative work. I am so looking forward to seeing what our Imagination Playground participants will create and what the experience will mean for each of them.
“This project has been made possible thanks to donations including those that have been made by customers buying tickets over the last twelve months. Our dementia friendly programme creates a space for people to get together, reducing people’s sense of isolation and improving quality of life.”
The Imagination Playground project runs from Tuesday 10 September – Tuesday 22 October in the Crucible. Places are free although booking is recommended.
For further information on all Dementia Friendly events and performances at Sheffield Theatres, or to book onto Imagination Playground, please call Sheffield Theatres’ Box Office on 0114 249 6000 or email access@sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
