Blog by Lisa Maynard, Improvement Adviser

Arts in Care is a partnership project with Creative Scotland, Luminate Scotland, the Care Inspectorate and The Baring Foundation to embed high quality creative practice within Scotland’s care sector. 

Phase 1 of the project was focused on delivering training to artists who wish to work, or to develop their current experience, in the care home environment. Over October and November, 18 community-based artists around Scotland gathered in locations in Edinburgh and Glasgow to undertake training with Equal Arts on working creatively with older people in care homes, with the focus specifically on of those living with dementia. The days were filled with collaboration, rich conversations and much laughter and emotion. The artists were supported by expertise from our inspector, Tom Bohlke, in delivering sessions on Safeguarding, the Health and Social Care Standards and what meaningful outcomes look like. Glen Dawson, inspection volunteer, also gave fantastic insight into the realities of daily life for residents in the care home setting.

Phase 2 of the project will involve a further 10 artists working with 30 care homes across Scotland to build confidence and capacity within care home staff to host creative activities with older residents.  

This photograph was taken on the last day of the training as the artists prepared to take their valuable new skills out into the world for the benefit of Scotland’s care sector. This is a wonderful achievement by all and a very promising development for care staff and residents alike.

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