Remembering

My poetry facilitation practice for these past few months seems to have taken a turn towards another kind of mental health work; that of reminiscence, memory-loss and all that surrounds these issues...

It's a brand new area for me, and it's exciting to be finding new ways to apply workshop and performance skills for obvious benefit.

Firstly after receiving some training from torbay culture and literature works, ive been invited to come and read for a Memory Cafe, which has inspired in me a journey of discovery of the old classics, and lots of great conversations about which ones people remember from school. I never understood how reciting can really bring people together and relight a feeling of inclusion and satisfaction - yet it's so evident across the board.

Attention is also pointed towards planning and preparing for another new venture from the wonderful Take Art. This time as lead artist on a series of creative workshops, for early onset dementia patients and their carers. I am looking forward to building solidarity within the group and unpacking some of the feelings around such complicated themes.