A SCHEME giving people with dementia an outlet to express their creative talents is being run in Craven.

Bentham-based Pioneer Projects runs three regular "making art" groups for elderly Craven residents living with dementia.

The free sessions, delivered by specialist artists, are designed to reduce isolation and help those with memory loss express themselves through art, dance and movement and storytelling.

The two-hour sessions take place every week on Mondays in Skipton and Bentham and Wednesdays in Settle.

Popular with participants and carers, the sessions include TimeSlips, a way of opening storytelling that replaces the pressure to remember with the freedom to imagine.

TimeSlips was developed by Anne Basting, a leading scholar in dementia practice in America.

"The Making Art groups improve quality of life," said Philippa Troutman, Pioneer Projects arts and dementia programme manager. "They are a lively and positive space, with much laughter and warmth between participants.

"The artists and volunteers ensure that everyone is involved with creative tasks which interest and absorb them.

"Each person is supported to develop their own ideas and interests and we see people growing in confidence, taking pleasure in each other and in their creative endeavours."

A carer, whose husband attends the sessions, said: “My husband always returns from the Making Art sessions cheerful and full of chatter, describing each week what he had done and who was there. He is clearly very fond of all the people who attend and always looks forward to going.”

Pioneer Projects' arts and dementia programme is based on research that shows people living with dementia can benefit from creative activities which improve mood, reduce depression and anxiety and deepen connections with other people.

The programme includes specialist and customised arts and dementia training for venues and organisations.

Sessions are funded by the Big Lottery Wellbeing Fund (Bentham) and North Yorkshire County Council's Innovation Fund (Skipton and Settle).

All programmes delivered under the Innovation Fund contribute to the county council’s priority of tackling loneliness and isolation and improving the wellbeing of vulnerable people in communities.

Sessions are free for older people with dementia or memory loss. Carers are welcome to take part alongside the person they look after.

To reserve a place or find out more about the sessions, contact Philippa or Jack on 015242 62672.