Proud to be a part of Local Charities Day

Today the Government is shining a light on the work of local charities and we’re delighted to be taking part.

This week co-director Douglas Hunter was invited to Number 10 to meet with Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport Karen Bradley MP alongside other key charities.

Across the year in the North East and further afield with our HenPower Project the help of your donations and volunteers has allowed us to help thousands of older people living with dementia and in care.

With our carers’ group, Creative Friends, Creative Age and our many projects in care settings and schools we see first-hand the benefits being creative can have on people’s wellbeing.

Shelia goes on regular creative outings with other Gateshead residents after joining our Creative Friends service. She said: “I was interested in joining a group that would take me out of myself and out of my house to meet new people and start to live again.

“You can become very isolated in your own home and to get out and meet other interesting people was my idea of heaven.”

Debbie Smith saw the benefit of Creative Age when her mum joined following a diagnosis of frontal temporal dementia.

She said: “I can’t put into words what being a part of Creative Age means to mum and the family. It is something she loves. Life can be tough for her but I love to speak to mum after a session. I hear her excitement as she recounts what she has done.

“They seem to challenge her and tap into her inner most resources without overwhelming her. Creative Age gives mum confidence in a really positive way.”

You can help make a difference by donating here https://localgiving.org/northern-shape-t-a-equal-arts

Thank you for all of your support.