That’s a wrap on our first Creative Dementia Conference!

Thank you to our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers & workshop leaders for bringing such creativity to the day.

Special thanks to Suzanne Mumford for chairing and to Maria Parsons for her tireless leadership.

#CDAN2025

Our final session at the Creative Dementia Conference: a panel discussion asking, “What do we need to do to grow arts in dementia?”

A fitting close to a day full of ideas, experience, and shared purpose.

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This photo of Maria and Rachael from Vamos Theatre captures the fun we've had today perfectly.

Their full mask theatre work offers a unique, non-verbal way to explore emotion and empathy—an approach that’s proved especially meaningful in #dementiacare.

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Finally this afternoon in the Waterside Suite, we heard from Dr Julia Puebla Fortier on “Practitioner Self-Care & Support”—a timely reminder of the need to care for those who care, especially in creative and dementia-focused roles.

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This afternoon in the Waterside Suite, we also heard from Maria Pasiecznik Parsons on “Training & Workforce Development”—highlighting the skills, support, and understanding needed to grow a more creative, responsive dementia care workforce.

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This afternoon in the Waterside Suite, Dr Linda Miller spoke on Social Prescribing—a thoughtful look at how activities like arts, gardening, and community groups can support health and wellbeing beyond medicine.

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Taking part in Liv McLennan’s Circle Dance Workshop. There's been music, movement, and plenty of laughter. A relaxed space to share rhythm and enjoy the moment together.

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Brian Daniels of Pluto Play Productions leading a workshop on theatre and real-life stories—exploring how they’re told, why they matter, and what they can open up when shared with care. A thoughtful, attentive room.

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🏆 Art Competition Winner: Person Living with Dementia Category

Huge congratulations to Gail Gregory‬! Gail couldn’t join us in person at but her striking artwork left a lasting impression.

Her prize will be sent on with our warmest wishes.

#CDAN2025 #DementiaCare

@gailgreg.bsky.social

🏆 Art Competition Winner: Family Carer Category
Warm congratulations to Becky Shaylor, receiving the award alongside her dad, Charlie.

A heartfelt moment and a reminder of what creativity and care can mean when shared.

#CDAN2025 #DementiaCare #CreativeDementia #ArtsInHealth

Carl Case sharing films and leading a discussion on "What helps and hinders the use of culturally appropriate resources in arts and dementia work."

You can also watch Carl’s webinar, Culturally Meaningful Engagement in Dementia Care, here:
buff.ly/vabRsuA

#CDAN2025 #DementiaCare #ArtsInHealth

In the Waterside Suite, we’re now hearing from Helen Jacobs on Art & Dementia in Museums & Galleries—a session offering clarity on how thoughtful, hands-on art experiences can bring meaning, joy, and dignity into care.

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In the Waterside Suite, we heard from Hilary Woodhead and Ellie Lucas of NAPA, sharing thoughtful reflections on Arts in Care Homes—why it matters, what’s working, and how we can keep making care more human.

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A thoughtful and creative session today with Kieun Kwon, Associate Director of Dementia Services at Runwood Homes.

Attendees reflected on what art means to them—through stories, discussion, and hands-on making. The room was full of focus, humour, and shared insight.

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Attendees at today’s CDAN conference joined Kate Wilkinson's Music in Hospitals workshop for a reflective session exploring the role of music in care.

The group shared ideas on how it can bring clarity, support understanding, and offer moments of real companionship.

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Delegates immersed in movement at Richard Coaten’s dance workshop, part of today’s Creative Dementia Conference.

Richard works with older people on NHS dementia wards, using movement and creativity to support emotional wellbeing and mental health.

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In the Waterside Suite, Nicola Taylor and Sharon Parsons are sharing insights on ‘Understanding Dementia’—with a live demonstration of the Empathy Suit.

A striking way to experience the challenges many people face each day.

More info. here: buff.ly/24uPbBN
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Welcome to the Creative Dementia Conference, Small Islands! 🎨🎶🛎️

From The Jolly Trolley to their vibrant sensory art panels, Small Islands bring multi-sensory connection to life in #dementiacare settings.

#CDAN2025 #SensoryCare #DementiaInnovation #SmallIslands

A warm welcome to Pluto Play Productions at the Creative Dementia Conference! 🎭📖

Through powerful, original drama rooted in real experience, Pluto Plays is bringing humanity, empathy, and reflection centre stage.

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A big welcome to NAPA at the Creative Dementia Conference! 🎨🎶

Their tireless work champions the role of meaningful activity in care, supporting staff to bring creativity, connection, and joy into every day—especially through music, movement, and expression.

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Great to have BRACE Dementia Research with us at the Creative Dementia Conference! 🧠🔬

Their work is powering forward vital research into prevention, treatment, and better futures for people affected by dementia.

#CDAN2025 #TogetherWeWillDefeatDementia

A warm welcome to Equal Arts at the Creative Dementia Conference! 📚🌼

Their Reading w/ Dementia series is addressing a long-overlooked gap—offering accessible, engaging books designed w/ and for people living with dementia. Thoughtfully made & rooted in real lives.

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Brilliant to have Vamos Theatre @ the Creative Dementia: Arts for Health & Wellbeing Conference! 🎭🧠

Their powerful, mask-based performances are bringing humanity, humour & emotional clarity to care settings across the country—sparking conversations & connecting communities.

#CDAN2025 #DementiaCare

Great to have SPH Therapy exhibiting at the Creative Dementia arts for health and wellbeing conference! 🧠🧩

Their work in counselling and psychotherapy is helping to shape public health and support emotional wellbeing in people affected by #dementia.

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We’re excited to welcome PainChek to the Creative Dementia arts for health and wellbeing conference! Their innovative approach to pain assessment gives a voice to those who cannot reliably self-report their pain — an important step in supporting people living with dementia.

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Welcome to the Creative Dementia Conference, Ally Cares!

We’re delighted to have you join us. Your commitment to compassion, and person-centred care aligns perfectly with the spirit of today’s event.

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Hearing from our main sponsor of our Creative Dementia Conference - Symphony Sound. Do visit their website to find out more: symphonysound.co.uk

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We’re underway with our Creative Dementia: Arts for Health & Wellbeing Conference. With thanks to our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, workshop leaders & delegates - we hope everyone has a fantastic day.

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🎨 TWO DAYS TO GO 🎨
Creative #Dementia: Arts for Health and Wellbeing Conference
🗓️ This Tuesday, June 3 • 📍 M Shed, Bristol

@MShedBristol is one of Bristol’s striking venues—on the harbourside, perfect for big ideas & creative care.

🎟️ TIX: buff.ly/SEJEIp2
#CDAN2025

🎨 THREE DAYS TO GO 🎨
Creative Dementia: Arts for Health and Wellbeing Conference
🗓️ June 3 • 📍 M Shed, Bristol

Join us this Tuesday—learn, connect, and be inspired.
✔️ Useful tools
✔️ Real examples
✔️ Creative, focused sessions

🎟️ Tickets: buff.ly/SEJEIp2
#CDAN2025