The OLT and our CIT project partners Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum are delighted to have held such a fantastic event within the heart of our local community to provide a platform to share inspiring stories of recovery.
An inspiring night for all, from those that have worked alongside the project across the year in providing a wrap round of programmes and services for individuals to be supported, to are very own participants bravely sharing their journey.
Followed by Paul Merson’s powerful and honest conversation that offered a relatable and authentic account of recovery that has resonated with many individuals facing similar challenges.
We would to thank everyone that attended and supported the event, especially to those that took to the stage to share their insights, thoughts and experiences. A big thank to our partners Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum for the wonderful partnership in pulling the event together and Paul Merson for sharing his story, along with continued support by our funders at the TEO.
Treasured Possessions Exhibition Launch at the Millennium Forum on Friday 2nd June
Proud staff and volunteers at the launch
The exhibition is the result of an arts process funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (Arts and Older People Programme) which enabled DEEDS members living with dementia to make a link to the Tower Museum for a dementia friendly session looking at the people’s 10 artefacts, reminiscing and engaging in storytelling about the objects. Betty Doherty from the Tower Museum commented “The Tower Museum was delighted to work with DEEDS to provide object handling workshops for their members in the Museum specifically designed for people living with Dementia. The Museum is working to becoming Dementia Friendly which can be seen in the work that we do with Nursing and Care homes as well as our exhibitions. This new project has added a new dimension to the work which is helping to make Derry and Strabane a dementia friendly region.”
Member enjoying refreshments at the launch
Lisa Heaney, Access and Inclusion Officer welcomed everyone to the Forum
Our volunteer Colette with Patricia
Our volunteer Liz with Marie who attended the exhibition
Back in their social groups the members explored what possessions they may have at home that they treasure most. Each of the six DEEDS Social Groups were then photographed with their treasured possessions by the artist photographer Emmett McSheffrey who also led workshops examining how portraiture has changed from its beginnings in paintings, cameos, silhouettes and leading into photography. The members then explored taking portraits within their groups using polaroid cameras. Finally, two members from each of the groups were chosen to represent their group for a large-scale portrait with their Treasured Possession. The artist photographer Emmett McSheffrey noted: “The exhibition encourages you to look at the individual and group portraits to look beyond their dementia diagnosis and see the person.”
Support worker Wendy with John and Ann
The members then worked with Community Dramatist Patsy Devine to have their stories recorded for the exhibition. These group and individual portraits have formed the exhibition alongside the members’ stories. Patsy Devine added “Like us all, each person has their life story to tell. Our lives include elements like possessions at home that are dear to us. Take the time to listen to the stories that the members have recorded about their own objects– each offering a short glimpse into a moment in time. Or see how this is brought to life in the short film. And think about what you yourself may have at home, that you hold close as your very own Treasured Possession. “
Sinead Devine, Deeds Co-ordinator noted how thrilled staff were that DEEDS was funded by the Arts Council to create the project. “The arts are a great connector for people living with dementia. This funding gave our members access to high quality arts provision which enabled them to express themselves with photography and storytelling. It also linked those with dementia to the Museum Services in the Derry as part of our linking to the community focus.”
LorraineCalderwood, Arts Programmes Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented, “We know that taking part in arts activities can raise self-esteem, boost confidence and motivation, as well as help to relieve stress, loneliness worries and pain. The Arts and Older People Programme aims to increase opportunities for older people to engage in the arts and more recently, has focused on delivering arts activity within care home settings, working with residents living with dementia and their carers. Thanks to The National Lottery players, Baring Foundation and Public Health Agency, the Arts and Older People Programme is providing meaningful opportunities for our older people to take part in the arts, enriching their lives for the better and the Arts Council is thrilled to support this wonderful, engaging project from The Old Library Trust.”
The exhibition continues until 25th June at the Millennium Forum where it is estimated that over nine thousand people will view it throughout that time.
The Old Library Trust DEEDS (Dementia Engaged & Empowered in Derry & Strabane) Project delivered a unique Dementia Conference asking people to Engage, Empower and Pledge to do more to create a Dementia friendly city and district.
The DEEDS project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund hosted the conference on Tuesday 16th May in the City Hotel celebrating the first phase of the DEEDS project itself, as well as launching the new phase of work including the introduction of the new training and education programme. The conference attracted carers and families of those with dementia, professionals working in the field of older adults & dementia as well as local community and statutory organisations. It also attracted local businesses who were looking to learn more about how they can better support people with dementia when using their services.
The Mayor Sandra Duffy opened the conference and welcomed everyone to the event.
Paul Sweeney, Chair NI Committee of the National Lottery Community Fund spoke about how delighted Lottery were to be funding the second phase of the DEEDS project.
Eddie Lynch, Older People’s Commissioner spoke about the importance of community intervention for dementia.
Ciara Burke, Age Friendly Officer, DCSDC talked about the council’s wish for the city and district to become dementia friendly.
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Neil Guckian, Chief Executive Officer, WHSCT spoke about the challenges facing the trust with waiting lists and the joint partnership with projects like DEEDS to help find solutions to those challenges. One of the new elements of the DEEDS project is developing a new Pre-Diagnosis programme in partnership with the Trust.
Deirdre Harkin Lecturer in Adult Nursing Ulster University Magee spoke about the partnership with DEEDS who deliver Tier One Training to the first year nurses and paramedics each year.
Jim Roddy Manager City Centre Initiative spoke about the importance of training for businesses and services and cited the recent training of security guard staff by DEEDS which is helping staff in their roles.
Participants took part in a short immersive experience in their break out groups.
Staff Member Wendy interviewed a carer Deborah Keys who has since become a volunteer with DEEDS.
George McGowan OLT Director, closed the conference asking for those present to make a pledge for dementia on the butterflies in their packs.
Deeds partnership: Strabane & District Caring Services , Hillcrest Trust, Learmount Community Development Group (Park), Caw Nelson Drive Action Group and some of our wonderful volunteers.
And Mellow DEEDS our amazing choir closed proceedings in style with their renditions of “That’s Amore” and “Bring Me Sunshine”. A perfect end to a wonderful day!
Our social groups from Strabane District Caring Services, Caw Nelson Drive Action Group and Learmount Community Development in Park all gathered in The Alley Theatre to celebrate their amazing exhibition. This project was funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and provided a dementia friendly session at Tower Museum with the lovely Betty Doherty and her team. The groups then worked with Emmett McSheffrey Artist/Photographer and Patsy Devine Community Dramatis to create beautiful portraits and to capture stories of the members. The exhibition is on until 26th May when it will then transfer to the Millennium Forum Theatre Conference Centre on 2nd June.
Funded by the Arts Council of Northern IrelandJJ and Margaret stand proudly with his portraitSupport Worker Kathleen with volunteer Sean discussing the exhibition Group Portraits and information on the exhibition More of the artwork on display: Note the QR codes to link into the stories of the members Some of the Portraits on display Capturing the exhibition launch: Emmett McSheffrey Lyn and Seamus go round the artwork
Sabrina and Sinead were joined by the amazing Alison Bristow – a Learning Disability Dementia Nurse WHSCT to present their new training to the lovely people at the Tuned In Project. Tuned In uses the digital and creative arts, media and music to support people with Learning Disabilities to build independence, skills and confidence. DEEDS presented what it is like to have dementia and about communication including an experiential element within the workshop. Alison enhanced this by focusing on learning disability and dementia and presented on why those with learning disabilities are more likely to develop dementia as well as what to look out for specifically and how then to make a referral. The group were wonderful, enthusiastic and well engaged in the process. Feedback was brilliant and the door is open for more engagement for staff on this topic going forward.
OLT are delighted to be extending our Biggest Improver Programme this Monday 24th April. So, if you fancy a wee challenge as we run up to Summer, get signed up.
Delivered by our experienced team of Instructors and will include full health assessments & nutritional support.
Registration this Monday 24th April from 4:30pm until 6:45pm.
With Football being a great way to stay in shape and keep active, we have launched our Dander Ball session where anyone that has an interest can come along and join in the fun.
With walking not running being the hardest part of the game, this is a very inclusive activity as it can suit all levels.
A big thank You to the Bogside & Brandywell Health forum’s Team for giving us a great game and plenty of laughs.
get in touch with Jonathan For More information jonathan@olt.ie
The DEEDS team were in Ulster University for two days last week training the first year nurses before they went out on their placement.
“What will you bring from the Dementia Education Programme Tier 1” asked Dr Deirdre Harkin of her students. Deirdre is a lecturer in Adult Nursing in the School of Nursing and Paramedic Science.
The students were led through an immersive experiential session learning how the five senses can impact on dementia. 330 students and 3 DEEDS volunteers were trained and learned to walk in the shoes of someone living with dementia. Out of one group 89% strongly agreed that the training met their expectation. 93% agreed that the experiential exercises increased empathy and understanding of dementia. 89% felt confident to put this learning into action. “Course was fantastic” wrote one nurse.
“Opened my eyes” wrote another. “Absolutely loved this training” and “Such passion in the volunteers/Staff” were two other comments in the evaluations.
” We really welcome this partnership we have with Ulster University” said Sinead Devine Deeds Co-ordinator . “Everything we do in DEEDS helps us to take one more step towards a dementia friendly region for Derry and Strabane. Training the nurses in Tier 1 is certainly helping us to achieve this as these young nurses represent the future support for those with dementia in our hospital and community care settings”.
A big thank you to Dr Deirdre Harkin and Aoife Conway at Ulster University for all the support on the day to help make the training such a success. And also to our amazing volunteers – we couldn’t do this without you!
Highly acclaimed mental health & resilience programme
Science of the Amber Approach
Each programme is based on the AMBER resilience and wellbeing approcah, a comprehensive evidence based curriculum that underpins all activity and learning outcomes. It is based on the latest evidence based research from the fields of neuroscience, psychology and social science and is currently being delivered to local families and children.
This weeks session ‘M’ of the AMBER approach introduced the kids to MOVE! Learning and understanding we all need to move to help unblock stuck energy and calm excess hyper energy!
The children really are enjoying it & the parents feedback is amazing
OLT are delighted to be extending our Biggest Improver Programme this Monday 24th April.
So, if you fancy a wee challenge as we run up to Summer, get signed up.
Registration this Monday 24th April from 4:30pm until 6:45pm.
We will be giving PRIZES for our MOST IMPORVED!!!
