My Experience with 'Memory Spinners'- For People Living with Dementia in North Lanarkshire
Using music, storytelling, movement and visual arts, the programme helps people living with dementia and their carers to relax, get creative and form new friendships and support networks.
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Throughout each term, participants share memories that are then incorporated into a relaxed performance for family and friends. It is run by Scottish Opera and this is a new group formed in North Lanarkshire with CultureNL.
I had the pleasure of attending one of their last rehearsals before their performance a couple of weeks ago. When I arrived, it was lovely to see the community feel to the project. Everyone sits down, has a bite to eat, tea/coffee, cake and a chat. Then it’s time to rehearse!
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Scottish Opera were great with the participants, and everyone there was enthusiastic and encouraging. It is a fully immersive experience for the participants and everyone wasn't afraid of getting stuck in.
It was refreshing to see the variety of art forms used to bring the group together, and of course it was great to see visual arts being used to help portray the story of the performance.
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A few weeks had gone past and then it was showtime!
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Family and friends of everyone involved gathered to see their final performance. The show was one to remember and it was lovely to see the participants faces light up once they spotted a friend or family member. It was hard to believe that the whole cast had only met a month or two prior to the show!
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After the show was the opportunity for everyone to relax and have a chat with their family and friends with the help of some tea and cake!
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The Memory Spinners is a great programme and the work they do, providing people living with dementia somewhere they can come and have a great time, is amazing.