Thanks to Caroline for sharing this latest appeal with OnTheWight readers. Ed
Newport-based charity, Independent Arts is recruiting volunteers for Creative Futures, an exciting arts-based project funded by the Clinical Commissioning Group’s Innovation Grant Programme.
Creative Futures
Creative Futures is a volunteer-led project aiming to improve the quality of life for elderly people in residential care. Creative Futures delivers therapeutic creative sessions on a one to one basis to people in nursing and care homes.
The project offers stimulating and engaging sessions across a wide range of activities which are personalised and tailor-made to the individual clients’ needs.
Workshops for Wellbeing
Independent Arts currently works in care homes across the Island delivering the Workshops for Wellbeing programme which provides residents with group activities such as art, music, reminiscence and movement. However, there is a proportion of residents who are unable to access these sessions due to mobility and other issues.
Many are unable or choose not to engage in group activities, and have conditions which necessitate tailored, individual therapies.
Volunteers sought
Independent Arts is looking to recruit volunteers from across the Island to undertake a training programme and then deliver one-to-one creative sessions.
Project Manager, Caroline Ash said,
“We are keen to recruit new volunteers to come on board with the Creative Futures project.
“People don’t need to have an arts-based background, but we are hoping to engage with people who are able to spare their time to make a difference for older Island residents who may be feeling isolated through being unable to join in with group activity.
“By spending time with these people, tailoring one-to-one sessions to meet their interests and ability, the Creative Futures project aims to improve health and well-being for the elderly and infirm.”
Background
Creative Futures has been running since January 2013, and one-to-one sessions are now being delivered in homes across the Island, with activities including reminiscence, art, music and needlework. Independent Arts has also invested in a library of Ipads which can be used by volunteers in the sessions.
Independent Arts is a small local charity, based on the Isle of Wight which has been established for 25 years, working with a variety of people from disadvantaged backgrounds across the island, particularly the elderly, those with learning difficulties and the disabled.
Get in touch
For more information about the Creative Futures project, please contact Caroline Ash at Independent Arts on 822437 or at [email protected]
