About Us: What We do

We are the country’s leading art-based Dementia charity.

We create connections, build self-esteem and bring joy to people

living with dementia, and their carers, one drawing at a time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are delighted and honoured to have won Alzheimer Scotland’s Dementia Award for ‘Best Innovation in Continuing Care 2016’ validating the structured art classes we deliver to people with dementia.

We deliver classes specifically designed for people living with dementia and the most vulnerable in our community. Validated by research from St Andrews University and featured in the Journal for Dementia Care, our classes show people living with dementia what they CAN do. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many people living with dementia in Care homes are not able to leave their residence. ‘Art In A Suitcase’ was introduced in

January 2016. As the name suggests, all the materials required for the class are packed into a suitcase and taken into the residential homes where lessons are delivered by our teachers. This project has generated great interest from those living in the care homes; even those who do not actively join in other social activities have joined in the classes and produced wonderful works of art! In addition, many of the care homes involved have created art galleries with the artists’ work displayed for everyone to see and it has become a great talking point for family members and others living in the home.

“We are very pleased that the Little Art School Trust won the National Dementia Award for Best Innovation in Continuing Care, it was up against some serious competition and is a worthy winner. It exemplifies our belief that we can all do something to improve the lives of people with dementia and their families and that by harnessing the strength of our communities and encouraging creative new innovations and approaches such as the Little Art School Trust we break down the myth that there is nothing you can do about dementia. Innovative projects like this inspire hope and remind us that age or a diagnosis of dementia should never be a barrier towards growing and developing new skills and improving our sense of wellbeing and personhood.“

 

Scientific studies show that art activities have significant impact on wellbeing and sense of identity. In addition, we believe our classes reduce isolation, increase confidence and, that although often living within their own reality,

allow individuals to connect well with others. At Dementia

Arts Trust, we have been privileged to be involved and witness this for ourselves. 

 

 

Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland