Creative living with dementia

We helped Bright Shadow located in Herne Bay in Kent providing support for the delivery of their  Zest Community Groups in Medway, Whitstable, Hythe and Dover. They successfully facilitated 40 sessions, attracting 611 attendances overall, with an average of 15 participants per face-to-face session. 

Bright Shadow is an expert, innovative arts organisation; they use the power of creativity to enable people living with or affected by dementia to live well and thrive.

The participants engaged in a variety of creative mediums including textile art, singing, songwriting and visual arts, leading up to a Christmas performance delivered to supporters. Beneficiaries also explored drawing and sculpture activities that supported the planning of their future programmes. 

One beneficiary had been experiencing significant adverse side effects from medication prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease. Following a consultation with their specialist, they were advised to discontinue the medication and instead focus on activities that would support cognitive stimulation. Over the subsequent eight weeks without medication, there has been no deterioration in their condition. During this time, they have attended Zest sessions on a weekly basis and have been motivated to join an additional visual arts group, building on the skills developed through Zest. Reflecting on their experience, the beneficiary stated: “I’ve had to stop taking my Alzheimer’s tablets, but honestly, coming here and doing art is better than any dementia medication.

Another beneficiary emailed about their positive experience at the group in Hythe, sharing that after their second session, they already knew how important the group was to them. They had been “looking forward to it all week,” and quickly felt welcomed into a space led with care by Emily, described as “a wonderful choirmaster… so enthusiastic, kind and caring.” Emily makes “every person feel included,” inviting people to suggest songs and helping the choir feel shared and supportive.

Living with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, the participant shared that this was “without a doubt the best and most enjoyable group” they had joined. Singing stirred joyful memories of school assemblies, when music was the highlight of the day, and now the choir has “given me something to really look forward to each week.” Even as a newcomer, it was clear how deeply embedded the group is in people’s lives. Through conversations with others, they already understood how much it would be missed if it ever stopped. They signed off their email with a hope to “please always try to keep the group at Hythe running (with Emily in charge, of course).”

They have also delivered 25 x 1.5hr Zest at Home Sessions (5 participants x 5 sessions) exploring percussion and reggae music, acrylic painting, musical theatre, textile arts and flute tuition.

One of their  artists shared the following story of their experience of the Zest at Home project, with a participant living with Alzheimer’s disease and Vascular Dementia: “In November I had the joy of visiting B each week for an introduction to acrylic painting. Formerly a carpenter, B is now a prolific maker from jigsaws to carved comfort birds and engraved wooden gifts but he was looking for a hobby he could enjoy at the kitchen table with his wife. B often says “My brains are in my hands,” so it was no surprise that he took to acrylics with incredible ease. I’ve never had a Zest at Home participant ask for homework, but B demanded it from week one… even packing a mini painting kit to take on holiday! Over the weeks we explored colour blending, mixing, and noticing light and shadow, finishing with a beautiful start on a painting of Leeds Castle. At our final session B told me, “Don’t underestimate what you’ve done… this has opened a new door for us!”

Feedback from participants shows that Zest sessions have a deeply positive impact on wellbeing, confidence and social connection. Many describe the sessions as ‘mindful and therapeutic’ and that ‘everyone leaves to go home in very good spirits.’

Participants take pride in learning new creative skills, often expressing surprise at what they can make, celebrating their achievements and enjoying giving handmade gifts to others.
'I love making gifts for people, it means so much when it's been handmade with love.'

The sessions improve confidence, with participants feeling proud of their achievements, through encouragement from the professional artists leading the sessions:
‘Where do you find these amazing people? They make us feel special and like there's nothing we can't do.’

The small, supportive group setting encourages conversation, laughter and being listened to, helping people form friendships and feel part of a warm, inclusive community. For many, Zest is a weekly highlight that offers connection, creativity and a strong sense of belonging.

(Credit to the photographer Rebecca Vincer)