This project aims to share best practice in the field of movement and dance for people living with dementia. Sharing will take place on various platforms including conference presentations, practical workshops, lecture demonstrations, meetings and visits with experts, researchers and practitioners in various countries; all with a view to bringing back to the Trust the knowledge of international exchange, improving lives for those living with dementia.
The project works both nationally and internationally. The project lead Dr Richard Coaten, who runs the Trust’s ‘Centre for Excellence in Movement, Dance and Dementia’ took up the offer of a place at the Dementia Congress in Nottingham to present on the ‘Breathing Space’ project which is also part funded by ‘Creative Minds’ and in which he runs a class. The project will also work to further develop links with the Association for Dementia Studies at Worcester University. Internationally Richard is taking his expertise to a specialist conference in Greece, Turkey and Latvia. It is hoped the project will build on these connections and bring specialist performers to local Trust services and exchange skills and knowledge, as part of an envisaged cultural exchange and staff-training programme.
The project aims to:
• Raise awareness of movement, dance and physical activity
• Deliver training to deliver movement, dance and physical activity
• Increase the use of dance and physical activity
• Establish a network of key organisations and health professionals
• Help staff to work closely with people living with dementia and their carers implementing the skills and knowledge
Outcomes of the project will result in new movement based non-pharmacological approaches to dementia care practice tapping into local, national and international dance traditions.