PROMOTION Expressing ourselves creatively can actually improve health When I was first asked to teach an art lesson with dementia residents in Rose Lodge I was terrified and unsure of what that may entail, so I decided to begin by finding out what I was going to teach and more importantly why the search led me to this quote "Expressing ourselves creatively can actually improve health. Creativity is a natural, vibrant force throughout our lives a catalyst for growth and excitement.. Cohen, Gene D Welcome to the Creative Age Bottom line/Tomorrow Vol.9, (Aug 2011 So was this borne out in practice?me to go around offering 1:1 tuition Did I find Art had the ability to heal where needed.lt doesn't take long and inspire? A year on and now every week as I walk in the door I am met by my he shared experience. Ena often Rose Lodge art group all ready for grasps my hand and says at the end me and excited to see what we are of the session "l'mstill not sure why going to do this weekI now plan in 3 monthly cycles so there is a range of that". Mary beams from ear to ear mediums and techniques used and and tells me how much she enjoys taught. I have been amazed at how the residents have responded and get a nice looking male model in to constantly surprised at the progressdraw too muchlaughter....and that's they have made Following each class the work is displayed on a board for all to see encouraging comments made of until the following week where it is renewed again, giving residents, visitors and staff an ever changing display of what is achieved, to beresidents that have never picked celebrated by all. After the input is introduced surprise themselves and soon find are helped to get started and thenthemselves on a creative journey tollowing some initial queries very When Harry tells me it's the often a concentrated quiet descends highlight of his week I can hand on as everyone starts work, this enablesheart for the laughter to start bubbling to the surface as everyone enjoys m ere but I do feel better after it. loyce asks frequently if I could the magic of art in this setting the lightness, the sense of fun, the each other's work and as the teacher to be able to give encouragement- it is a beautiful thing. Even Angie Seaway anExmputh ba tat who uns a weedty cless af Rose 20 up a paintbrush before often old Award tell him it's mine too. Rose Lodge, 2 Isca Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 2E2 01395 227071www.roselodgecarehome.co.uk Outstanding 2016