16.08.2022
Ronald and Emily from arts4dementia continue their roadshow across Brent’s dementia cafes. The ‘Box of Smiles’ workshop programme is for people experiencing early-stage dementia, mild cognitive impairment, memory challenges and their companions. A4D has teamed up with Ronald Amanze, an A4D Trustee who lives with early-stage dementia to deliver a brand new workshop called the Box of Smiles, Shared Experience Programme. Having been a music producer for many years, Ronald has seen the benefits of engaging with song writing that he says ‘brings a therapeutic calm and a smile to my face.’
Emily who hosts A4D’s weekly Art Wednesdays session co-facilitates these poetry workshops with Ronald at a number of Memory Cafes around Brent. In the session, the group will be introduced to Ronald’s Story of how this project came about as well as a couple of creative poetry writing exercises resulting in a collaborative group poem as well as individual poems. This will be an opportunity for participants to engage in a relaxed arts activity and socialise with each other. No previous experience is necessary! These workshops are all about giving it a go and putting a smile on your face! The work created on this course will be part of our ‘Box of Smile’ initiative, demonstrating that engaging in the arts can empower our minds. The latest dementia café to welcome the Box of Smiles is Watling Gardens Creative De-Café Thursdays 11-1pm, Community Room, 97-135 Watling Gardens, Cricklewood, NW2 3UB.
