Initially called Social Arts, this project was set up by Norden Farm Arts Centre in 2017 to help combat social isolation in older people by offering them the opportunity to come and take part in weekly creative arts sessions. No previous experience was required just a willingness to take part and have a go. Transport and lunch were also provided which also helped develop the social connections between people.

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I ran and coordinated these workshops over 3 years in a wide range of art forms. We did sculptue, painting, collage, printmaking, stained glass deisgn, drawing and I brought in other artists to widen the areas of expertise. 

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In 2020 we managed to get the classes online to support people through the lockdowns which felt like a huge achivement as most had never used zoom before. Many said that it really kept them going and gave them something to look forward to in their week.

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Although the project is not currently running owing to funding issues, it is one that is close to my heart as I know that it made a difference to people's lives, their confidence creativity and friendships.

 

And most importantly we always had a laugh!

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'This brilliant project has given we senior citizens a new lease of life, confidence that we are able and can still use our brains and hands to create such crafts we had no idea we could do’

 

https://norden.farm/pages/evaluation-and-road-map

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