Summary
Care to Dance brings together tap dance, live music and occupational therapy to offer fun and creative movement sessions for older people in different healthcare and social settings.
This project is currently undergoing a pilot stage to learn how we can work with social prescribers, care homes and local health providers. People taking part in Care to Dance sessions can do tap dance either stood or seated. There is always a focus upon self-expression and musicality and having fun while learning steps and moves. However, we are also developing ways of working that can support a particular area such as those living with Dementia and their carers, increasing strength and balance to prevent falls, and supporting mental health and wellbeing.
So far, we have worked with Age UK’s Strong and Steady team in Ripley and Alfreton, Samuel House Care Home in Heanor, and Belper BCN Social Prescribers. The pilot project has been supported by funding from Fleet Arts and also Amber Valley CVS.
Once the pilot project is complete, we will undertake an evaluation process with facilitators, partners and stakeholders to identify the potential of the project as well as share what we have learned whilst doing the project with others. In the future, we plan to develop a larger-scale follow-on project in collaboration with partners across the arts and health sectors.
