August 2017

Open Minds- a new creative project for people affected by memory loss and their carers/partners with the aim of combating isolation by providing fun free art activities.

The free sessions take place on a weekly basis, Fridays 10am-12pm, with tea and coffee served before and after. Sessions are held in the craft room at Oakland Village, Hall Farm Road, Swadlincote, Derbyshire. DE11 8LH.

This is how Pat, one of the participants  described her experience of taking part in creative activities with People Express: ‘I had stopped taking part in everything, and I was sitting at home feeling sorry for myself, and this letter came saying I had Alzheimers, so I thought that’s it- do something with your life! So they told me about these sessions at the Alzheimers meeting and along I came. I was in a course at college, a long time ago doing basket weaving, all sorts of creative things. Then I had children and everything went by the way side, now they are saying I have Alzheimers, I felt like I had just sank into feeling sorry for myself. It takes some effort to start something new, but I’m so proud. Painting- I’ve always thought i can’t do that but now I’ve done this and i love it. I feel like these sessions have given me a new lease of life’