Older people in Dereham have been exploring their creative side by taking part in free music and dance workshops run by professional artists, and Creative Arts East would love to welcome new participants on board.
The sessions are run by trained arts practitioners and take place twice monthly at The Meeting Point in Dereham as part of the ‘Our Day Out’ programme, an inclusive group for older people that aims to engage participants in fun and stimulating arts activities. Creative Arts East, the community arts charity behind the programme, are keen to welcome new participants to the Dereham group. The workshops are having a huge impact on participants’ wellbeing, which is being measured using a scientifically recognised scale.
One participant said about the sessions: “Coming to the programme has made an enormous difference to my body and outlook”, and another said: “We wouldn’t miss it for the world!”
The theme of the sessions changes every few months – at present the groups are working on a specially commissioned project with Glasshouse Dance and musician Les Chappell to create music and movement inspired by the Norfolk landscape. Past activities have included African drumming, a collaboration with renowned dance company Rambert, and even belly dancing!
Creative Arts East would love to hear from older people looking to have fun, feel good, and get creative. No prior experience is necessary as the sessions are gentle and can be adapted to suit everybody. They welcome all older people and are inclusive to those living with early to mid-stage dementia and other health conditions, as well as carers. If you’d like to get involved or know someone who would, please contact Lea Schiller at Creative Arts East on 01953 713390 or email lea@creativeartseast.co.uk.
The Dereham sessions take place on the second Friday of the month 2pm-4pm and fourth Friday of the month 10am-12pm), at The Meeting Point, St Withburga Lane, Dereham, NR19 1DF. The next session dates are:
- Friday 13th July 2-4pm
- Friday 27th July 10am-12pm
- Friday 10th August 2-4pm
- Friday 24th August 10am-12pm
- Friday 14th September 2-4pm
- Friday 28th September 10am-12pm
- Friday 12th October 2-4pm
- Friday 26th October 10am-12pm