Dementia-Friendly Arts Project – in Partnership with Aberdeen Performing Arts

Woodlands Care Home is thrilled to announce its participation as a pilot partner in an innovative and heartwarming project developed by Aberdeen Performing Arts, with support from Aberdeen FC Community Trust.

This unique initiative is bringing the joy of storytelling and creativity into the heart of Woodlands through a series of writing and storytelling workshops designed specifically for people living with dementia, as well as their family members and carers. The workshops are being led by renowned local poet and creative practitioner Jo Gilbert, with award-winning filmmaker Sara Stroud capturing elements of the project to create a short documentary.

The sessions focus on sparking memories and encouraging expression through the use of memorabilia from the Aberdeen Performing Arts archives. Residents have been reminiscing about experiences at the beloved His Majesty's Theatre and the Music Hall, sharing their stories in both English and Doric, the traditional northeast dialect of Scotland. These memories are not only being written and shared aloud, but will also form part of a public exhibition later in the year.

A dedicated team of volunteers at Woodlands is supporting the project by creating an in-home display showcasing progress and participant contributions. The final pieces, including stories and selected archive materials, will be featured in a small exhibition in the Music Hall's Big Sky Studio. In a special celebration, residents will be invited to visit the Music Hall to view their own work and enjoy refreshments - bringing the project full circle by reconnecting them with the cultural venues of their past.

The project aims to break down the barriers often faced by those living with dementia, particularly in accessing and enjoying the arts. By working within a familiar and supportive environment, participants are encouraged to connect with the city's cultural history in a meaningful way - utilising lifelong skills while learning new ones. The workshops also offer an invaluable opportunity for social interaction, mental stimulation, and self-expression.

"This project is providing a truly innovative way to support the mental health and wellbeing of our residents," said a spokesperson for Woodlands Care Home. "People living with dementia can feel disconnected from the world around them. But through this program, we're seeing moments of real joy, recognition, and reconnection."

In a particularly touching moment during a recent session, two residents recognised themselves in a decades-old photograph from a performance at His Majesty's Theatre - dressed as penguins, no less. It was a beautiful reminder of the lasting power of memory, and the importance of preserving and celebrating the past.

The project not only enhances quality of life for those living with dementia but also reinforces the role of care homes as active, engaged parts of the wider cultural community.

Woodlands is proud to be part of this pioneering effort to make the arts more inclusive and accessible - and looks forward to seeing the final exhibition come to life in the Music Hall.

For more information about the project or upcoming events at Woodlands Care Home, please contact our friendly team.