Monday 14 November 2016

Cabinet of Curiosities

Earlier in the year, in my role at the council, I ran two creative writing projects for people living with, and affected by, dementia. One was called 'Cabinet of Curiosities' and included 8 weekly sessions at the Beaney in Canterbury for people living with dementia, their carers and some fabulous volunteers. We used the museum's exhibits as inspiration for our writing, sometimes wandering out into the galleries and sometimes handling objects in the room. This project was also a finalist in the Kent's Dementia Friendly Awards.

The other was called 'Day in the Life' and was held monthly at Blean Village Hall. This project was for people who had been affected by dementia in any way, maybe their husband or wife had a diagnosis, maybe it was their nan or grandad, or anyone. We were also supported by some great volunteers from the Word Out poets.

A selection of the work created during these projects was collated and a book produced, which was launched last Wednesday at the Beaney, where some of the participants came along and read aloud. The work they shared is moving, and funny, honest and heartfelt. One participant said to me 'I never dreamt I could write poetry' - this book goes to show that, given the chance, anyone can write, and everyone has something to say.