w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k Sharing the evaluation of an arts based memory club Arts Development UK Conference - 29 Nov 2013 Hannah Cervenka Arts & Leisure Development Manager West Oxfordshire District Council

w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k Local Context Rural area Ageing population Closure of local memory cafe Low diagnosis rates Experienced and skilled artists Professional arts organisation in the town

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Dementia in West Oxfordshire WODC has one of the largest populations of older people in the county Prevalence levels of dementia are high Overarching aim of national and local strategy is for people with dementia to ‘live well’. Local dementia plan aims to facilitate early diagnosis and to support individuals and carers in their own home. A major need for people with dementia is meaningful occupation and engagement during the day + respite for carers

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Project summary Lights Up offers –A meeting place to relax and socialise –Information about dementia and services & support –Opportunities to explore and learn new skills –Opportunities to work individually and as a group making and experiencing art. Positive name is an explicit attempt to address stigma 6 month evaluation of project: 2 meetings a month; and continuing Range of creative arts offered e.g. music, visual arts, film, dance, drama People with dementia come with carers & attend by themselves Club led by experienced co-ordinator and members supported by volunteers Experienced professional artists lead creative sessions Lights Up supported by a partnership steering group Pilot funded by district council, registered social landlord and national charity supporting people living with dementia

w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k Members of Lights Up handle a didgeridoo Music session run by Arne Richards

w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k Project evaluation Evaluation was led by Creative Dementia Arts Network based in Oxford Mainly qualitative methods - including photographs and video Structured observation Individual interviews of members Focus groups of volunteers Artists survey and feedback Measures of well being

w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k General findings Lights Up successfully facilitated: –Participation in the arts –Social engagement –Learning new skills Artist led sessions offered activities that –Engaged and stimulated participants –Provided creative opportunities Lights Up is a low cost model of community based arts engagement

w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k Outcomes Attendance increased over the pilot period Most people with dementia came with a carer/spouse/partner Volunteer numbers varied Diverse level of cognitive impairment Attendance was voluntary & informal

w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k Lights Up club members warming up in a circle

w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k What we found out The importance of consistency Lights Up offered a meeting place to relax & socialise Arts sessions helped to: –Reduce tension & agitation –Break down barriers –Act as ‘social glue’ –Raise self-esteem

w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k Members of the Lights Up group enjoying the opportunity for conversation

w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k How did we do it? High calibre artists Range of artforms Cpd opportunities Inclusive sessions Powerful effect of objects Space for reminiscence Individual & group participation Exploring self expression Learning new skills

w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k Members of Lights Up concentrating on felting activities

w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k Why it needs to be an arts based memory club Flexible approach that artists offer Capacity for reciprocal learning No assumptions made Meeting some deep human needs Positive engagement

w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k Our learning and what next? Experiment with new and different arts media Develop links to other cultural organisations Explore different ways to work Reach those living alone Create a sustainable model Take the model to other areas

w w w. w e s t o x o n. g o v. u k Further information & useful websites Thank you