A new project titled Pen Pals will be offered in Purbeck by members of the Dorset Writers’ Network. The project has received funding from Dorset Community Foundation and will be delivered in three care settings for older people. The aim of the project is to offer creative and enjoyable learning experiences for older people by drawing upon memories. Volunteers will be trained to work with older people and will help in recording personal stories. Session facilitators Helen Pizzey and Pat Yonwin are experienced in delivering reminiscence projects and understand the health benefits of encouraging older people to becoming involved with creative arts. A range of prompts and artifacts will be used to engage and interest participants in sharing stories from their personal history.
I am pleased to be involved with this project as a volunteer and look forward to the first of six sessions that will be delivered at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage. Sessions will be delivered fortnightly from the end of July to October. If you would like further information or are interested in joining the project as a volunteer, you can find further information here. (Scroll down to find the information on Pen Pals.)
Have you been involved with any creative initiatives that support vulnerable groups?
the writer is a lonely hunter 
What a lovely idea. Good luck with your sessions. I am sure it will be successful and very helpful and rewarding for all involved.
Thank you – I’ll update with posts as the project progresses