Creative Arts and Music

Creativity is important for individuals with dementia as it supports connection, dignity and quality of life.

There are several reasons why creativity matters in dementia care:

Creativity allows communication beyond words alone – activities like music, art and storytelling give individuals the opportunity to express emotions without relying on their words. This can foster connection between loved ones and reduces feelings of isolation.

Engaging in meaningful, creative experiences helps maintain a sense of self and dignity, giving an outlet for what the person can do.

Creative engagement can help calm any agitation, reduce boredom, and ease negative emotions like distress and anxiety. Music that is enjoyed and appreciated can provide comfort, while art and storytelling can provide emotional regulation.

Creating things together builds moments of joy and new memories, which can be rewarding when other memories may begin to fade.

Creativity gives people something to look forward to and a sense of contribution. Whether that be through painting, singing, or reminiscing through photos, creative moments can spark a strong sense of purpose and pride.

Our programme across the week includes many opportunities to engage in creative arts and music activity. Feel free to drop into any activities that interest you or contact us for more information.

All sessions held at Alton Assembly Rooms unless otherwise stated.

Please note the programme may change slightly from time to time to suit requests from the membership and to accommodate additional activities.

Monday

10:00 – 12:30
Creative & Curious
Arts and crafts for all

13:15 – 14:00 Learning Lunch Our post lunch creative conversations and writing space

Tuesday

13:15 – 14:15
Crafts and Creativity from Outdoors
(Weather permitting) – collecting ‘treasure’ as we walk, will often lead to creative design

Wednesday

14:00 – 15:30 Intergenerational craft work
Joined by pupils from St Lawrence School – we create our artwork together

Thursday

10:00 – 14:00
Crafts as part of Nurture at Alice Holt Forest (Third Thursday of the month)

13:30 – 15:30
Culture and Heritage afternoon (Weekly)
Will often be spent engaging in a ‘theme’ related craft – such a Christmas Card making workshop.

Friday

10:00 – 12:30
Group Sing-a-long (Weekly)
Creating music and movement every Friday morning with our regular visiting musicians

Sat/Sun

10:00 – 15:00
Crafts in the Forest
At Alice Holt as part of our Flourish Day (First Saturday of the month March – Dec) – See Green Therapy section for more information about Flourish

Award winning Creative Arts

For one of our members, creative ability blossomed during their journey with dementia. Not only did they manage to maintain a high level of skill when painting and the ability to write extensively about their past worldwide travel, they also enjoyed more time with their daughter co-creating artwork together. Just one of their jointly produced pieces won first prize at the Dementia Creative Awards – culminating in a fascinating and empowering ‘day out’ for them both

Creative Arts in Nature

Our members always feel empowered and connected to their community when we create items that will be seen by and shared with others. The picture below shows the decorations made for Easter 2026, that were used to decorate the sensory garden in the Town Park over the Easter Holiday period

Book your First Meeting

We’re here to help you. Book a relaxed informal meeting with our team to talk about support, ask questions or just have a chat.

No Pressure – Just a Friendly Conversation
For you, a family member or someone you care for
We’ll contact you in 1-3 days to confirm your appointment

Prefer to talk now? Call us on 01420 551455

Please fill out the form to book your first meeting. We’ll get back to you in 1-3 days to confirm your appointment.