Solehawk

Kenton Hall care home in Newcastle has displayed the fantastic results of a creative initiative that included artwork telling the story of older people’s experiences during the Covid pandemic.

The home, in Kenton Lane, took part in the Home Comforts artistic project, which involved artist Sharon Bailey building positive and meaningful relationships with older people, their families and care workers during an eight-month period.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Karen Robinson and invited guests, visited Kenton Hall to view the results of the project.

A key aim was to demonstrate the value of care home residents participating in the Arts and celebrating and sharing the creative achievements of care homes in the wider community.

The scheme, which was financed by Newcastle City Council with Public Health Covid Recovery funding, and supported by Newcastle University, also focused on:

• Finding new ways to integrate the arts into care home settings to help benefit older people longer term
• Attempting something more challenging to address the key issues that have come to the fore during Covid for people living and working in care homes
• Delivering high quality arts activity that is accessible to people at a time when seeking out such opportunities is difficult.

Home Comforts involved using different artforms and techniques to explore their stories and life experiences.

Steve Massey, operations director at Solehawk, said: “I was delighted to join The Lord Mayor, residents, families and friends to see the amazing different forms of art work that have been produced over the time of the Home Comforts project.

“An important part of the culture at our care homes, including Kenton Hall, is organising a wide range of activities to boost residents’ mental and physical well-being.

“The Home Comforts project shows how beneficial it is to collaborate with external organisations and individuals to add new dimensions to what we can offer.

“It gave our residents and staff the opportunity to learn new arts skills, which can continue to be used even after the project has drawn to an end.”

Sharon Bailey said: “Those that took part in the Home Comforts project warmly welcomed me into their home and together we created wonderful artworks that they should feel really proud of.

“Whatever your age, everyone should have the chance to experience and take part in the arts. It’s particularly important for older people within our communities. As we age we can lose our independence and control in our lives; being involved in creative activities gives meaning and purpose and helps us to feel connected and valued, which in turn improves our quality of life.”

Sharon, an artist and creative producer working within communities across the north east of England and internationally, is renowned for leading projects that span art, heritage and health. She is passionate about telling the stories of those with whom she works.

Kenton Hall, which has 60 beds, cares for those aged 65 and over, who require nursing or personal care. It has been evaluated as good by the CQC.

ENDS

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CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

Solehawk is a group of four care homes located in the North East of England. It has been providing residential, palliative, respite and dementia care and nursing services to residents since 1989.