FRIDAY, 12 DECEMBER, 2014

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PHOTOGRAPH ATTACHED – THE CREATIVE DANCE FOR DEMENTIA PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS WITH STAFF, FAMILY AND CARERS

Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust host creative dance event in Perth

People living with Dementia took part in a dance performance in Perth.

The Creative Dance for Dementia programme is run by Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT), in association with NHS Tayside and Creative Scotland.

The group have worked with dancer Yolanda Aquilar from Smallpetitklein during the eight-week programme, which encouraged individuals to explore movement using music alongside different sequences and exercises.

An audience of family and friends today enjoyed a dance performance from the participants at VisionPK Main Hall in Perth.

Yolanda said, “Over the weeks we have shared a lot of themes from the past and stories of people lives, and created a small piece to music which has been great fun to work on.”

The programme has been supported by Alzheimer Scotland and care home staff who have worked with THAT previously in other creative programme opportunities.

Karine Neill, development officer with THAT, said, “It is really wonderful to see people grow in confidence and to try new creative opportunities. This creative movement and memory programme is part of a larger delivery approach over Tayside and we have been delighted to see participants have fun and record benefits for everyone taking part.”

THAT promotes the therapeutic value of arts-based programmes to enhance quality of life, promote social inclusion and to empower the individual to make an important contribution to their health and wellbeing.

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740134