Since June, the Arts Together groups in Bradford on Avon and Melksham have been meeting regularly to create friendship and pick-me-up books for each other, inspired and guided by the artists Rachel Heard and James Aldridge.
The Widening Horizons project is about creatively building the group members’ confidence and self-esteem, to strengthen friendships within the group, find out about what else is available in their communities, and arrange a summer outing or celebration together. Janette, a community member, said “It’s been an eye opener for me how much I have been able to mix and socialise with other people. I’m more confident since joining the group about meeting other people and I don’t have to worry about my poor mobility.”
Arts Together has been running for 26 years. Over this time, they have seen how being part of this caring, creative community can completely change a lonely, older person’s life. Selwood Housing has supported these groups through providing community lounges where they can meet regularly in Melksham and Bradford on Avon and enabled this current project through awarding Arts Together a Stronger Communities Fund grant.
Julieann Worrall Hood, the organisation manager, said:
“Everyone came together to make such thoughtful plans for this project. It was great to hear that members got really involved in it all, especially helping to shape the Kennet & Avon barge outings and cream teas! That kind of involvement makes such a difference. Our focus was on confidence building and helping people feel more connected, both within the group and more widely in their communities. I think the photos and fabulous friendship books speak for themselves! We are all so grateful to Selwood Housing for providing the Bradford on Avon and Melksham groups with venues to meet in and funding towards this very important project at a time of change and transition for our group members and volunteers. It has made all the difference.”
Sadly the charity, Arts Together, will be closing this autumn due to the funding crisis that is affecting many charities. The good news is that Alzheimer’s Support Wiltshire will be taking on the groups in Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge and Melksham from September and they will continue under the new name of Community Arts. For more information visit their website.
