THURSDAY, 9 JULY, 2015

EMBARGOED UNTIL PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: 2.30PM, FRIDAY, 10 JULY, FORFAR GUIDE HALL, THE MYRES, FORFAR

Angus COPD group host Creative Moves event

People living with COPD shared their ‘Creative Moves’ today at Forfar Guide Hall.

Participants in the Creative Engagement for COPD Angus programme have been exploring their expressive performance techniques during an eight-week programme.

The performance, which was shared with family and friends, is part of a programme funded by Creative Scotland, NHS Tayside and delivered by the Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT).

The performance sessions, which were developed by THAT staff and dancer Ania Kielinska, focuses on combining the qualities of expressive movement to music which are beneficial for those with long-term health conditions.

Ania said, “They have been a really interesting group to work with, bringing a lot of enthusiasm and humour and so we always had a lot of fun. They have worked together as a group and helping each other progress week-by-week. They have risen to all of the challenges set and I have loved working with them.”

THAT development officer Karine Neill said, “This is a new initiative and is part of a wider delivery of programmes across Tayside which explores the effectiveness of using three different art forms with different long-term condition groups.

“They have been a really dedicated group and are well supported and encouraged by their peers, which makes it possible to learn and enjoy being part of something.”

THAT promotes the therapeutic value of arts-based programmes to enhance quality of life, to promote social inclusion and to empower people to help them make a significant contribution to their health and wellbeing.

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740134