In order to build a network of mutual support and ideas sharing, L4A has been working to engage with, listen to and understand the needs and wants of Activity Coordinators working in care settings locally in Leicester and Leicestershire.
We are keen to support Activity Coordinators in finding effective, creative and supportive techniques to use with the older people they care for, to overcome some of the challenges faced by care home residents. This includes sight loss, hearing loss, frailty and limited dexterity.
We held an Active Listening session in September, which was run by Ali Sinclair. This explored active listening skills together, including barriers which can prevent such listening from taking place (for the speaker as well as the listener) and sharing ideas on how these can be overcome.
We also held an ‘Art for Non Artists’ course in November. As well as exploring a range of art materials and ideas and giving the opportunity to have a go, Rowena Williams talked about why art activities matter, how they can be adapted for mobility or cognitive issues and how to make the most of resources and buy knowledgably – really important for those on a tight budget.
All participants rated the sessions as “Very useful” and “very well presented” in feedback questionnaires afterwards. Sessions have been reported to be “fun, lively, social, supportive” by one attendee. Another wrote that she “Really enjoyed the workshop – it made doing art easy”. A third wrote that the session “was a breath of fresh air. Thank you!”
We plan for the remainder of the sessions to cover themes such as poetry and music, multi-sensory activities and a follow up to the very successful art workshop, this time focusing on a craft theme. We will also want to bring all the learning into an on-going accessible resource, although we are finding that the activity coordinators themselves are the best possible resource!
If you and your care setting are based in Leicester or Leicestershire and would like to join us for free, please do contact Fiona Smith on 07933 109 630 or email her on Fiona.smith@l4a.org.uk