Making art available for everyone

Ali’s story

What I enjoy most about running art sessions for people living with dementia is how lovely and encouraging everybody is. Being creative allows people to switch off from the mundane routine of life and just have fun together.

It’s a place where true friendships are made, where you are free to express yourself and have fun.

For the past two years, I’ve led monthly art workshops through Alzheimer Scotland’s Outdoor Dementia Resource Centre at Badaguish, in the Cairngorms National Park. Our focus is on activities that help connect people to nature, who might otherwise struggle to access it.

This is central to the charity’s approach as spending time in nature has been shown to be particularly beneficial for people living with dementia.

Every class is different. We might try lino printing, creating art using natural materials like wood, leaves or feathers, working with dried flowers or using mosses as paintbrushes.

The activities are as inclusive as possible so that everyone can enjoy taking part – whether you are living with a diagnosis or are a carer. There may be someone in the group with a visual impairment, or who has difficulties holding brushes or tools in their hands. At the same time there may be others looking to participate in more complex skills. The workshops are designed to include everybody’s abilities and interests.

But the most important element by far is making sure there’s a nice cuppa and cake so that everyone has time to chat to each other. Meeting people who are in similar circumstances can be really beneficial and it’s lovely to see people relax and enjoy themselves.

Creating art can give you a real sense of purpose and achievement. I’ve seen people come to my workshops looking quite down, but then leaving with a huge smile. That’s what makes it all worthwhile for me.

I put a lot of thought and effort into designing the sessions and thinking up ways I can engage everyone. It’s great fun. The key is to learn what people are interested in and then find an activity to suit them. You can always find a way for someone to succeed.

I find inspiration everywhere – often when I’m walking our dog in the forest. On one particular day out I saw lots of butterflies and that inspired me to create a simple but elegant butterfly mobile design.

I really love helping people, and that’s what’s inspired me to start up a not-for-profit company, Enjoy-able Art. I’ve come a long way from my early career where I studied civil engineering and packaging design at university, before spending 10 years teaching outdoor sports. I love how creative my job is now.

I want to bring the joy of art and nature to as many people as possible and I’m excited for the future.

• Find out more about the Outdoor Dementia Resource Centre or visit the Penny Bun restaurant in Badaguish to see a display of the group’s artwork.
• Find Enjoy-able Art on Facebook 

PHOTOS: Cairngorms National Park Authority/Rosalyn Watson

Alzheimer Scotland’s Outdoor Dementia Resource Centre is funded by the Cairngorms 2030 project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players