Unique art project bringing people with dementia together
A new partnership is bringing a splash of colour to the lives of those battling dementia in Simcoe County.
The Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County has joined forces with the MacLaren Art Centre on Creative Spark. The pilot project has seen people living with dementia and their caregivers come together weekly for six weeks to do a different art project each time.
"It's specifically a time where they are able to actually get out, maybe get away from the house, step out into a space that is a safe space," said Mar Lewis, the community art coordinator for the MacLaren Art Centre. "MacLaren has done some training to become a dementia-friendly community supporter in our community."
According to the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, approximately 11,000 people in Simcoe County are living with dementia.
This pilot program is open to those in the early to mid stages of their diagnosis and their caregivers.
"They can create those social connections," said Jana Douglas, the emotion coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County. "They can make new friendships that are going through the same journey. The care partners can make new friends and know that they are not alone."
Until June 13, the work created throughout the program will be on display until June 13. After that, each program participant can bring their work home with them.
The two community partners are working to secure funding to bring the program, which is offered to participants free of charge, back in the Fall.
"We started week one where they were unsure of who they were, what they were doing to week six where they jump right into that project and their building new friendships," said Douglas. "They are leaving with friendships, and coming out, that's a huge benefit."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery caught on video
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.