Thanks to Wendy Varley for this latest appeal from Independent Arts. In her own words. Ed
Isle of Wight charity Independent Arts is delighted to be launching Creative Futures, an exciting arts-based project funded by the Clinical Commissioning Group’s Innovation Grant Programme.
Creative Futures is a volunteer-led project aiming to improve the quality of life for elderly people in residential care. Creative Futures will deliver therapeutic arts sessions on a one-to-one basis to people in nursing and care homes, tailored to the individual client’s needs.
Group sessions don’t suit all
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, a proportion of residents are unable to access these sessions due to mobility and other issues. They are unable or choose not to engage in group activities, and have conditions which necessitate tailored, individual therapies.
Appeal for volunteers
Independent Arts is looking to recruit a team of volunteers from across the Island to undertake a training programme and then deliver one-to-one creative sessions.
Project Manager, Caroline Ash says, “We are keen to recruit a wide range of 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.”
Full training and mentoring
The Creative Futures project will also offer mentoring to the volunteers, as well as a bespoke training course for nursing home staff on how to customise creative engagement for each resident.
Independent Arts is keen to hear from people of all age groups and backgrounds and with a range of interests. No previous experience is needed, as a full training and mentoring programme will be provided. The minimum commitment required would be an average of two hours per week. At the end of the project there may be opportunities for paid work with Independent Arts.
Find further information and contact details on the Independent Arts Website.
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.
Image: John A Ward under CC BY 2.0
