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The Storybox Project was a groundbreaking project focussed upon creativity and dementia. It used imagination as a starting point to engage people and support them to improve their health and wellbeing, engage with others and have fun. It was based upon a foundation of empathy, empowerment and togetherness as a starting point to explore notions of practice, relationships and culture in between older people and those who support them.
How Does It Work?
Storybox residencies were designed around a different themes using a variety of music, props and costume. They were sensory and fun experiences where games were played and stories were made up to encourage togetherness, improve concentration and lift mood. The emphasis of the sessions was on the present. Whilst naturally the stimulus evoked memories and there was space to share these: Storybox was not a reminiscence project. Working with personal memories can be frustrating or confusing to people with dementia, so the sessions were designed to be a celebration of the moment. This had a fun, freeing effect on the participants where there is no right and wrong, and each participant is made to feel valued and valid. These interventions also serve as a starting point to:
- Created shared experiences
- Allow for an affirmed sense of self
- Improve physical health
- Improve mental capacity
- Improve self esteem and confidence
- Explore and enhance inter-personal relationships
- Explore and enhance workplace culture
The Storybox Philosophy
Central to the Storybox philosophy was the belief that creative participation can improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation for people with dementia. The belief that creativity can be incorporated into the day-to-day care of older people and that everyone should have the opportunity to try new things and be culturally active throughout their lives. The project was committed to promoting positive images of ageing and demonstrate the scope of possibilities for working with older people.
Leaving a legacy of practical activities, creative ideas and a person-centred approach was an essential part of the project. As well as the exploration of how people with dementia can be empowered to take the lead and express their own ideas and personality.
What did Storybox do?
We offered:
- Tailor made creative interventions and projects
- Staff training and development around creativity and community
- Resources to support development around creativity and community
- Training and support for the development of creative interventions and projects
- Development, mentoring and consultancy around creativity, community and compassion
Storybox was originally developed by Liz Postlethwaite, Lowri Evans and Sara Cocker at the Library Theatre Company through the support of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Manchester City Council.