About Creative Age
Creative Age is for people with dementia and their supporters/carers who live independently in Tewkesbury.
Creative sessions are followed by tea and cake with the chance to socialise and get to know each other better.
We work in a group, exploring creatively through seated movement, dance, words, collective story-making, music, singing, visual arts and poetry – all inspired by the participants’ interests.
Supporters/carers can choose to join in with creative sessions, or enjoy the hospitality and friendship offered by Roses volunteers, or simply take the time and space to do what they wish.
The Tewkesbury Creative Age sessions are supported by Louise and Megan at The Roses and hosted by a range of artists who have developed their artistic practice to work with people with Dementia and their carers.
Integral to the Creative Age (CA) approach is:
• being person-centred and participant-led
• nurturing physical and mental well-being
• facilitating with compassion and empathy
• encouraging individual expression, empowerment, choice and independence
• stimulating the imagination and taking risks
• promoting togetherness, participation, inclusivity and equality
• providing enjoyment and plenty of opportunities for laughter and social interaction
Arrive from 1pm and enjoy a delicious, great-value lunch from Luke’s at Tewkesbury Baptist Church before the session. No booking required – just £3 per person (cash only), including hot drinks.
Please complete the sign-up form to register your interest. This ensures we have the right information to support everyone involved. After that, we’ll be in touch to chat about your application and get to know you a little better.
"Creative Age is the best community space filled with kindness!"
"It has given him the ability to express himself in his own time in a safe space."
Carer
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve filled in the form, now what?
Thanks for showing an interest. Either Meg from The Roses or Louise from Open Arms will be in touch to arrange a house visit or convenient location in Tewkesbury to the person with Dementia. This is so we can say hello in person and all meet each other as well as finding out a bit more about you and how we can ensure you are supported in the sessions.
I can’t make all of the dates, can I still come?
Yes, please do – we recommend you come to as many as you can as you will get to know everyone and we can start to get to know you and who you care for, their likes, dislikes and activities (and most importantly biscuits!) they enjoy.
Where is it held?
The sessions are held at Tewkesbury at The Baptist Church on Station Rd, here: Station Road, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 5DR.
Is lunch or food provided?
The sessions start just after lunch time so recommend you eat lunch before you arrive, or even better, ‘Lukes’ at Tewkesbury Baptist Church provide Lunch from 1pm and it’s just £3 (cash only) including hot drinks, so why not turn up early to have lunch before the activity. We also ensure you have a lovely hot drink & cake at the end around 3/3.30pm.
Why do I have to fill in a form for the person I care for?
This programme is specifically for people with a Dementia and therefore we aim to get to know the participants and their carers who they will be attending with ahead of the sessions as much as possible. Creative Age offers a friendly and creative space and a big part of this is getting to know each other.
Who is running this?
The Creative Age Programme is run by the lovely Louise who is an artist based in Cheltenham, more info here: Louise Bardgett | The Roses as well as guest artists who will share their artforms with us, such as movement, craft, poetry and more! It is being supported by Megan who leads the Community & Creative Health programme at The Roses Theatre and some lovely local volunteers. We will meet you ahead of the session you are coming to so you can get to know us and recognise us.
I live in a care home, can I come?
The programme is for people who are able to come independently or with a carer/ family member. Whilst we do welcome people who live in supported or care homes, we aren’t able to accommodate groups from care homes.
How much is it?
It’s free, if you’d like to offer a donation towards it you are very welcome to but there is no obligation to.
