MEET YVONNE, AN ART:LINKS PARTICIPANT FROM ISLINGTON
The UK has an ageing population. Research from The Baring Foundation highlights that many older adults face various challenges such as loneliness, health and financial issues. These can become a barrier for older adults to engage in social and creative activities that are beneficial for their health and happiness.
To help overcome these challenges, Create designed art:links, a programme that uses the creative arts to enable older adults to build skills and confidence, and reduce isolation. art:links gives participants a chance to express themselves, make connections with others, and enhance their wellbeing.
During September and October 2023, members of Age UK Islington took part in an improvisation project led by Create’s drama artist.
We caught up with Yvonne to hear about her experience.
access to creativity
“I don’t normally do creative activities. If there’s a cost, I won’t be able to do it. But this [project] was free: because I’m connected with Age UK, I was able to.”
Age UK’s research highlights the financial concerns among older adults, with 91% expressing worries about the cost of living. This financial strain has led many to reduce social activities and hobbies, impacting mental wellbeing.
enhanced wellbeing
“I really enjoyed it, and I would recommend it to others as well. I even told my doctor about it and she was really happy I had something to help with my mental health and all the things I’ve got going on at the moment.
“I really loved the ‘yes, and’ [activity], where somebody says something and you continue with ‘yes, and’. That was both therapeutic and creative for me. It’s actually helped me in my personal life. It has given me a positive outlook by saying ‘yes, and’ instead of going negative and spiralling down. It’s been good in that regard.
I enjoyed having some place to go to take myself.
YVONNE
“I call it my ‘me time’. Because I’m given a chance to come and do what I want to do, and just be free and I’m not being judged. And the fact that it’s creative is good because my creativity has just gotten to spark up.
meeting new people
“It was nice watching everybody else. I get a bit nervous when I’m put on the spot. But watching everyone else and knowing whatever I said was not going to be criticised or right or wrong was very helpful. It made me want to participate.
“I don’t have a lot of physical seeing people. I do have online telephone meet ups, but to get up and get out has been a nice activity. You get a chance to interact with other people with separate lifestyles. Sometimes you want to talk and sometimes you don’t. But either way, you’ve met people.”
This project was supported in London by The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington (via The Mercers’ Company) and City Bridge Foundation.