Here are some of the good things organisations across Lancashire who we work with have to say about Fine & Dandy memory workshops and our activities for older people living with dementia in Lancashire.
“The Open Door Memory Café at Revidge Fold United Reformed Church
Our group is open to people living with memory loss and their carers. We have a variety of activities on offer.
One of the most important is the singing session led by Eric Haworth of Fine &Dandy Workshops.
Our guests love the singing session! Music plays such an important part in evoking memories for our guests. I observed one of our guests recently, who arrived looking quite down, but her face lit up at the singing session, and she enthusiastically joined in with every song.
Eric is a really skilful keyboard player, and has an exuberant personality which enables him to engage with our guests with humour and friendliness.”
Elizabeth Bradley, Co-ordinator Open Door Memory Café
Joyful Noise - Age UK Blackburn with Darwen
Eric Haworth of Fine and Dandy Memory Workshops facilitates our ‘Joyful Noise’ sessions. He is a dynamic and exuberant facilitator and an accomplished keyboard player.
The fun and interactive sessions are open to service users in our day care as well as people in the community living with dementia, along with their carers.
The sessions consist of singing, reminiscing, quizzes and general discussions incorporating CST (Cognitive Stimulation Therapy). They are well attended and very much looked forward to by those who attend.
The smiles observed on faces and the enthusiastic playing of percussion instruments by the members is proof enough how much everyone is enjoying themselves.
One member who started coming with his wife, who has been diagnosed with dementia, says he gets as much from the sessions as his she does. He says that the group lifts his wife’s mood and that by attending they ‘feel like part of a family’.”
Mark Wood, Centre Development Co-ordinator, Hopwood Court, Age UK Blackburn with Darwen