For nearly two years now we’ve been leading on a project that aims to inspire new audiences, educate people about dementia, reduce its stigma, and help to re-engage people living with the dementia with the arts.
One of the most exciting aspects of this Strategic Touring project is the chance to work with partner venues, who have agreed to take on some of the challenges it presents in a real and practical way; whether that’s training staff to be dementia-friendly, finding ways to encourage those living with dementia to come to the theatre, or making adaptions that mean their venue is welcoming and accessible. Every one of our partners is committed to making a difference.
We’d like to celebrate the work of one venue as a great example of promoting dementia-friendly activities and attitudes.
Ludlow Assembly Rooms is a leading rural arts, entertainment and community centre in Shropshire. The venue runs “A Life More Ordinary”, dementia-friendly activities for people living with dementia and memory loss, their families, friends and carers.
The venue began by holding relaxed cinema screenings. From there it went on to train staff in dementia awareness and become a member of the Dementia Action Alliance – taking actions to provide and maintain a dementia-friendly organisation and venue for the long-term.
A year on from the first cinema events, Ludlow Assembly Rooms continues its “A Life More Ordinary”, offering “Moving to the Rhythm” and “Songs for You”, activities offering a space for reminiscence, socialising and, most importantly, having fun.
This is just one of the amazing projects and events that are being run by our partner venues. Each is helping to raise awareness of dementia, reducing stigma and changing lives - something, indeed, to celebrate.
Useful links:
To read more about “A Life More Ordinary”, see the Ludlow Assembly Rooms website
You can read more about our Strategic Touring Project, funded by Arts Council England, on our website.