Issue 130 14.12.22
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Arts partnership recognised with national award A COLLABORATIVE project aiming to tackle loneliness amongst older people living at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme care village has been recognised with a national award win commending the positive impact on participants’ wellbeing, as well as the strategic creative approach to caring for those living with dementia. We Belong Together was devised through Belong’s partnership with Liverpool’s contemporary arts centre the Bluecoat to support customers residing at Belong care villages when government intervention placed them in lockdown, limiting social interaction. Critically acclaimed artists ran weekly virtual sessions with tenants, using a range of art forms, including ceramics, sound and storytelling. The initiative has been crowned winner at the National Activity Providers Association awards, taking home the Year of Creativity Award. Judges were impressed by the increased wellbeing experienced by those involved and, more widely, Belong’s use of creativity and arts as part of its approach to dementia care. They praised the village team as ‘truly dedicated to thinking creatively, trying new things and involving everyone, every day.” Emma Palin, experience coordinator at Belong Newcastleunder-Lyme, said: “We’re thrilled to accept this arts award, both
for us and for the Bluecoat. “Their workshops gave our customers something to look forward to during a very challenging time. “Our belief is that activities are more than just a way to keep customers entertained; it’s about providing opportunities for purpose or to keep people connected, supporting them in meaningful occupation where they can contribute their ideas. “The arts in particular are a vehicle for enhancing wellbeing and fostering relationships, both of which have tremendous health benefits, as seen during the lockdown.” Since 2019, Belong’s customers have worked closely with artists commissioned by the Bluecoat to promote wellbeing through creative pursuits and evaluate the use of arts for people living with dementia. The partnership commenced with ‘artist residencies’ which initially saw artists working in Belong villages, leading an array of art forms, ranging from storytelling and sculpture to sound art and dance. The award win coincides with the launch of a new circus exhibition at the Belong Heritage Gallery, the 17th century listed building integrated within the care village, housing a range of displays to inspire and enthuse residents to explore art and heritage, as well as a creative studio and special needs potter’s wheel.
Creative residents at a Dorset care home ran their own craft stall at a church bazaar, raising funds to help young people. Seven ladies who live at Colten Care’s Brook View in West Moors spent weeks preparing for the event at the village’s St Mary’s Church. They knitted, felted and crocheted an array of seasonal gifts such as sock snowmen and penguins. On the day, Brook View resident Pamela Clark and young helper Meadow, the daughter of Companionship Team member Rebecca Grimsey, ran the stall and chatted to the public. While total funds raised remain to be counted, residents were pleased with their immediate tally of £70 on the day. Brook View ladies are pictured with their handmade gifts.
Carer Emrys celebrates 40 years A CARER has celebrated 40 years with Royal Star & Garter. Emrys Owen is the longest serving member of staff with the charity, and was one of four people honoured at the Surbiton care home recently. Emrys, who has spent 20 of his 40 years working night shifts, said: “To me it’s not just a job, I believe it’s what I was led to do with my life. “When I think of all the various people I have looked after over the years I feel very lucky. “I’m extremely proud and privileged to work for the charity and care for the people that we care for.” Other staff members recognised at
the long-service ceremony were nurses Charlie Idemne and Marilyn Marquina, and housekeeper Khalifa Shehe, who were each celebrating 20 years with the charity. All four staff members received vouchers as thanks for their service and dedication. Lead healthcare assistant Emrys, from Dorking, joined the charity in 1982, aged 23. He was originally based in Richmond, before moving to the award-winning Surbiton home in 2013. In 2021 he was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to veterans during Covid-19 in The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.
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