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We provide regular arts sessions in reminiscence, drama, movement, music/singing, creative writing and arts and crafts, which can be shared with family and friends.

About

‘Joyful connections’ is two regular multi-arts groups for 30 older participants.  

One group for those living with advanced dementias and one for those living with mild to moderate dementias and they both take place at the AgeUK Enfield, Parker Day Centre.

The purpose is primarily to spread joy, to value each person’s stories and creativity and so improve confidence and emotional wellbeing.  

Activities

Activities include community singing reminiscence, drama, poetry, arts and crafts, photography, chair exercise and dancing.

We also run 3 events per year including performances and exhibitions by older professional artists and the participants themselves.  

Jubilee Celebrations at the Parker Centre

Aims

  • To reduce isolation through building positive relationships between older people, their families, support staff and peers.
  • To build resilience around ‘successful aging.’
  • To improve the mental and physical wellbeing of older people through raising their confidence and self esteem and sharing moments of happiness.

Where are the sessions run?

In residential homes and day centres for people living with dementia in London, Hertfordshire and Essex

DURATION

Sessions are bespoke but will usually be for 45 – 75 minutes. Running weekly over a period from 3 – 24 months.

FACILITATION

The sessions are run by experienced arts facilitators and cover a variety of different art forms, depending on the interests of the group.

‘We have a lot of entertainment here, but yours was the best because you really get the audience involved, they loved it.’ 

‘Mum loves your sessions, she doesn’t want to leave the centre when you come.’ 

‘It was beautiful.’ 

‘I had so much fun’. 

‘So enjoyable.’

‘It’s wonderful how you know how to get the best out of each of our clients, it’s because you take the time to get to know them.’

‘Your volunteers light up the room when they come.’

COST

All projects for the groups aim to receive grant funding. Members can give voluntary donations to help cover some basic costs but do not pay for JaZanne Arts artists.

JaZanne Arts supports the groups to apply for funding or does so on their behalf.

MANAGEMENT

JaZanne Arts directors will ensure the smooth running of the projects. At least one of the directors plus other experienced arts facilitators will deliver the sessions along with trained older volunteers.

Activities Officer – Parkview

“The way you used the objects and linked them to the songs was so simple yet got them so involved and telling stories we hadn’t heard before, I am definitely going to use that method from now on.”

Activities Officer – Parkview

Older Volunteer (80+)

“I learnt a lot from them, we succeeded in drawing them out more – I think they enjoyed the songs the most, – if they didn’t want to talk in the beginning they did in the end..”

Older Volunteer (80+)

Older Participant

“Thank-you so much for all the wonderful activities, singing, dancing and sharing memories.“

Older Participant

“I didn’t realise how much you could say without words.”

Older Volunteer 

“Rosemary takes me back home. My mother used it all the time.“

Older Participant

This project is supported by