PIONEER Projects is extending its highly successful arts and dementia programme to include older people in four care homes in Craven.

Bridging the Gap – funded by the Big Lottery – is being rolled out to The Dales in Draughton, Gills Top in Grassington, Thornton Hill in Thornton-in-Craven and Anley Hall in Settle.

Care staff have undergone bespoke training sessions so they can deliver creative sessions, and a touring exhibition of residents' work, films and performance will be held at each home in May.

There will also be a Bridging the Gap exhibition at Grassington Arts Festival in June.

And Bentham-based Pioneer Projects is involved with a new project, entitled Artyfacts, being run by Craven Museum and Gallery with funding from the Arts Council.

Working with museum staff, it will run ten creative sessions for people living with dementia and their carers, using the museum collection as its inspiration. The results will be exhibited at the Skipton Town Hall gallery in October.

"Pioneer Projects has been delivering creative sessions specifically designed for people living with dementia in Settle, Skipton and Bentham for more than five years," said Philippa Troutman, creative arts and dementia programme manager and Bridging the Gap manager. "These sessions are well attended and much loved by participants, family and friends alike.

"Engagement of older people with dementia in participatory arts can help improve enjoyment of life, memory and creative thinking, and the warmth and support that grows between participants benefits everyone involved. Working with the imagination ensures people succeed in their endeavours."

One of Pioneer Projects' creative carers group, which meets once a month in Bentham, is currently putting the final touches to a booklet it has created called Who Cares. It will be launched at an open event, supported by Settle Rotary Club, at The Folly in Settle on June 29.

Meanwhile, the charity is seeking new volunteers for its creative sessions.

Philippa said volunteers could get as much pleasure from the sessions as participants as they would be part of a group that made a positive difference to people's quality of life, while having fun in a stimulating, absorbing and creative environment.

Contact Philippa on 015242 62672 or e-mail Philippa@pioneerprojects.org.uk for further information.

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