Developed in partnership between Collective Encounters (a professional arts organisaiton specialising in theatre for social change) and PSS (national health and social care provider) Now and Then was an innovative project which set out to explore and platform the experiences of people with dementia and those who care for them. The project resulted in a 40 minute interactive theatre piece which told the story of one woman’s journey through the stages of dementia and the experience of her daughter who became her carer. It was performed to over 400 health care professionals, health and social care students, and carers; and to a wider public at the National Pensioners’ Convention. 81% of audience members said it helped them to understand the situation confronting those with dementia and their carers differently.
The research and development process involved desk research, and creative drama workshops led by Abi Horsfield (drama facilitator/director) and supported by our Third Age Theatre group. The workshops were key to developing understanding and generating material for the piece. They were open to anyone with dementia or caring for someone with dementia in Liverpool. Some people came for one session, some attended many. The workshops used drama to explore their stories and experiences. Our Third Age Theatre group, plus one carer, then went on to devise the final piece, supported by a team of professional artists.
The piece was performed at conferences, events and training sessions across the north west. It involved elements of forum theatre (where audience members can step into the action in a bid to problem solve) and discussion points; and stimulated post-show debate at each performance.
Project stakeholders identified several areas of good practice:
- The partnership model which brought together two organisations with very different expertise and skill sets, but a shared ethos and value system
- The research and development process which was extensive, shaped by both organisations and underpinned by Collective Encounters’ Ethical Research Policy
- The drama/devising process which integrated third age participants with no prior experience of dementia, with people in the early stages of dementia and carers of different ages with no prior experience of drama
- The production process which integrated professional artists and non-professional performers, and carefully accommodated the needs of third age actors
- The training model which stakeholders felt increased receptivity of students and significantly enhanced the training process.
The project and its research demonstrated several gaps in provision, most importantly:
- that there are very few opportunities for people with dementia and their carers to do anything fun and rewarding together
- there are very few creative opportunities for residents in care homes in Merseyside
- that carers would like to take a more creative approach, and recognise the impact that creative interventions can have on people with dementia, but don’t know how
The project was fully evaluated and a report on the process, product and impact can be read here: http://issuu.com/collective-encounters/docs/now_and_then_evaluation
Live and Learn (2011 – 2014)
Live and Learn was developed arising from those findings, and through wider research internationally into the impact and value of creative work with people with dementia. This is a three year project funded mostly through Baring Foundation.
Live and Learn will bring together third age volunteers with professional artists and dementia specialists to develop new models of creative reminscence to engage people with dementia. Crucially, these models will be ones that can be used by carers in their daily routines. Working both in care homes and in the community we will test new ideas and draw on international best practice; providing creative interventions for people with dementia and on-the-job training for professional and family carers. The project will also involve some performance work, with our Third Age Theatre company producing theatre to highlight the issues and articulate the stories they encounter through the process.
To find out more and be invited to related events please email info@collective-encounters.org.uk
For more information about Live and Learn please visit Collective Encounters' page on The Big Give (http://new.thebiggive.org.uk/projects/view/12531?search=57c58c59-287c-485b-a10c-bd64328fe9d1)
