We run free regular workshops across Norfolk that help older people (including carers, those living with a dementia and other long-term health conditions) engage and participate in high-quality music and dance activities. This programme has a hugely positive impact in terms of improving wellbeing and decreasing loneliness and isolation amongst our participants, who represent some of the most vulnerable people in our society. In November 2019, we were awarded the great honour of winning the prestigious Royal Society for Public Health ‘Arts & Health’ Award for the Our Day Out project.
“Now I’m 87, I use a crutch and I started to get a bit of pain in my shoulder. After a while it became worse and worse, but the first time we waved our arms around in a dance session, the pain actually went. I feel more or less cured.
I felt that life was shutting me in the house. I have very few friends left so it’s really nice to meet people who have the same interests and like coming together to share in music and dance.”
(Sally, Our Day Out participant)
The sessions run twice-monthly in: Attleborough, Dereham, Thetford, Watton, North Walsham, Wells-next-the-sea, Hunstanton and Downham Market. They are open to all older people of all abilities, so if you want to find out more about coming along to your nearest group, then contact info@creativeartseast.co.uk. We are always looking for volunteers to help out at the sessions as well – you can download our volunteering flyer here.
The programme is funded by Spirit of 2012 Trust, with additional investment from the Big Lottery Fund, Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk County Council, Breckland Council and North Norfolk District Council.
