Now We See Us is a new exhibition putting the spotlight on the contribution and role activities coordinators have in caring for older people and those living with dementia in Gateshead.
Hearing from those on the ground, the impact of creativity should see it viewed as a key part of a person’s care plan alongside health and medication.
Jenny Hawthorn, activities coordinator at Craigielea Care Home, said: “Moving into a care home it can be hard to lose your independence, give up your routines and your home. We work to bring those bits of normality back to their lives, to make things as normal and as enjoyable as possible.”
Coral Shaw, activities coordinator at Hawksbury House, added: “People think because you’re an AC rather than a carer the job is easier, it isn’t! You are supporting people with differing and complex needs to engage. It’s about being in the moment together and supporting them to have some independence back through activities and creativity.”
In the exhibition, now on display until the end of April at Gateshead Civic Centre, Jenny and Coral feature alongside 19 other activity and lifestyle coordinators working across care homes in Gateshead.
Together this past year they’ve undertaken creative training with Equal Arts.
Working in partnership with Gateshead Council, the unique service sees care staff explore Dementia and Imagination training with access to peer support workshops and shadowing opportunities with artists experienced in delivering dementia-friendly creative activities which explore what residents can enjoy and achieve.
Steph Downey, Gateshead Council’s Strategic Director of Adult Social Care, said: “This is an excellent project which showcases the importance of creativity in the care sector. We know that people who live and work in care settings are often ‘unseen’ by wider society. Exhibitions like Now We See Us are a brilliant way to highlight the excellent work undertaken by care workers and activities coordinators, who help to ensure that people living in care settings continue to actively engage with their hobbies and interests, or indeed develop new ones!”
A highlight of the exhibition has been the Gateshead ‘Fabric of Life’ rag rug, a collaborative textile piece created by more than 150 residents and care staff over 90 hours during a tour of the borough.
For more information about creative workshops and training please contact Equal Arts on 0191 261 1619 or email information@equalarts.org.uk.
