Kent arts charity Bright Shadow bringing Zest to those living with dementia in Dover.

Bright Shadow has received a grant of £9,700 from Kent Community Foundation, through the Port of Dover Community Fund.

Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive, Kent Community Foundation, said:

“Kent Community Foundation was delighted to award a grant to support Bright Shadow’s Zest Dover initiative to offer people with dementia a range of creative activities to promote self-expression, social interaction and active participation.”

This project delivers weekly creative Zest sessions for people living with dementia and their families in the Dover area every Thursday morning at The Age UK Dover Riverside Centre. Participatory sessions led by a range of highly skilled professional artists and co-curated by members of the group, provide people living with dementia and their families with a voice and a safe space to express themselves and improve their wellbeing. Participants are able to suggest themes, art forms and activities, input ideas into the creative planning meetings and have enjoyed sessions with writers, theatre-makers, visual artists and musicians so far this year.

Clare Thomas, Bright Shadow Charity Manager said:

“Thanks to support from Kent Community Foundation and the Port of Dover Community Fund, we can provide these stimulating creative sessions and support local people living with dementia and their families to live well and to enjoy new experiences as equals together in the here and now.”

Jenny Beacon, CSR Executive at the Port of Dover said:

“I was delighted to visit Bright Shadow and experience first-hand the wonderfully creative activities involved in the Zest Dover project. This project has such a positive impact on the wellbeing of those living with dementia, and this is something that the Port is really pleased to support.”

The Dover Zest group also recently enjoyed a visit from Dover Mayor Gordon Cowan and Town Sergeant Mr David Hunt-Cooke who appreciated what Zest offers the local community every week. The visit coincided with celebrations of Bright Shadow’s ten year anniversary as an arts organisation.

For more information on attending Zest, visit www.brightshadow.org.uk or call 01227 467272.

ENDS