At HandMade Theatre we are dedicated to providing access to creative arts for those with dementia and cognitive impairments.
We run weekly sessions in care homes and community settings to provide engaging and inspiring creative activities accessible to all. We believe that using the arts can build confidence, communication, improve mobility and help tackle isolation .
Creative activities include music, craft, theatre performances and singing. Sessions are planned and delivered in collaboration with staff and families.
This work is funded by Trusts, Foundations and private donations.
Projects:
National Lottery Community Fund 2023-26: This 3 year project focuses on expanding our work in dementia care settings and providing regular support for individuals affected by dementia and their carers. We are currently working across Gedling, Ashfield, and Newark and Sherwood district councils to deliver sessions and performances.
By tackling the issues of loneliness and isolation, the project fosters a sense of well-being and connection for older people. Through a variety of outreach efforts, the project seeks to ensure that those suffering from dementia receive high quality engagement through the use of arts activities.
Thanks to this important 3 year support from the National Lottery we are able to expand our reach to new care homes and community settings who support adults living with dementia and their carers. We are able to deliver more sessions with specialist artists from different art forms bringing a high quality experience for all.
Photo: Suzy interacting with a resident using Cat Puppet. TNL project 2024
Tell Me A Story 2022/23: Regular creative sessions in Nottingham care homes inspired by story telling and sharing memories. We were particularly interested in stories of childhood and building intergenerational links. This work inspired the creation of our touring show Tell Me a Story and included the creation of a bespoke theatre show suitable to tour care homes, community settings and memory cafe's.
Wild Wellness 2021/22: Throughout 2021/22 we ran a weekly creative programme at two of Jigsaw Homes in Nottingham, working with around 30 residents. We took inspiration from nature and worked with some of the lovely resources developed for our WilderNests production.
Photo: Residents drawing from Nature, 2022
'Nottingham University Hospitals' 2019: This project aimed to address the lack of meaningful activity provided for older patients on the acute Health Care of Older People (HCOP) wards at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH).
HandMade Theatre Artists: Suzy Gunn and Ben McElroy, HCOP Occupational Therapist: Victoria Challenger, Health Care Assistance, B49: Emma Tyson
Photo: Ben leading singalong at NUH, 2019
Data was collected using the Art Observation scale and patient feedback forms. Overall the response to sessions was positive with 72.2% of patients who attended the activity sessions demonstrating an increase in their observed happiness scores after the session.
Testimonials:
“I have learnt something today. I didn’t come and join in last week as I saw the word poetry on your flyer. I immediately thought of dull and boring poetry but what you have just read was funny and enjoyable. I will definitely be coming again next week’ - Residents Feedback, 2022
One lady when asked if she was enjoying sessions said ‘ I was telling my friend the other day about our sessions and I told her this was my favourite afternoon of the week’ - Irene, 2022
‘Non-clinical interventions are important in the management of dementia, as they move patients into a more comfortable setting, allowing them to be stimulated in a way that still alleviates their symptoms. One example of a non-clinical intervention is drama therapy’ - Psychology Student Report, 2021
Video: CEO Suzy Gunn talks about her passion for working with people with dementia.
Play and creativity support healthy minds and bodies across all ages and abilities. They can build confidence, relieve stress and help solve problems.
Via our work with children and adults, we have brought laughter, joy and healing to a diverse range of audiences. From older people with dementia, to women who have experienced domestic abuse, to children of all levels of education ability. Our workshops, projects and performances can provide an opportunity to leave our daily lives and travel with our imaginations to new and exciting places.
'Fantastic imagination a great way to re-think engagement in learning' Creative Schools Conference Delegate
The many benefits of play and creativity include:
Healthy intellectual, emotional and social development in children and young people.
Easier absorption of information, enabling the learning process and alternative ways of thinking.
The creation of empathy, problem-solving and communication skills
The unblocking of old patterns of habits of thinking
The nurturing of our confidence, curiosity and connections with others.
The ability to express ideas, thoughts and visions about the world.
