Hythe Zest restarts face to face sessions people living with dementia

Hythe Zest has restarted its weekly groups based at Hythe Pavilion, South Road, every Thursday, 2-4pm. The sessions run in six-week blocks and the first is being led by theatre director Lisa Payne and visual artist Nova Marshall. They will work with members of the group to create an artistic production based on an idea by one of the members, Tony, who loves the sea.

Clare Thomas, Chief Executive, Bright Shadow, commented: “It’s really important for us that the members of the group contribute to the artistic direction of the sessions, so each block of six-week sessions is based on an idea by one of our members. Our Hythe Group is particularly enthusiastic, and we have a lot of laughter every week.”

Over the last year the pandemic has highlighted how crucial these groups have become for people living with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society report on the effect of Covid-19 on people affected by dementia states that 80% of people living with dementia reported an increase in symptoms and added strain within the family.

Sessions did continue by virtual means via companionship phone calls and two social group sessions per week on Zoom. One of the main aspects of the Hythe Zest sessions during the pandemic was the 1-hour online creative session led by trained, professional artists, such as actors, musicians, dancers, puppeteers, writers, etc. This was funded through The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.

Clare says: “This creative work is now able to continue in person at the pavilion. It means so much to the members because it gives their life structure and meaning. It makes them feel valued because they are giving something to society through the artworks they create. It challenges perceptions of what people living with dementia can achieve, and not only that, with the right kind of stimulation, it helps to manage symptoms too.”

The group is always open to new members. Visit the website for details and please call to book so that we can manage numbers (due to COVID-19 social distancing limitations).