Stratford Circus Arts Centre Launches Creative Programme For Older Adults

At an event held last Thursday, Stratford Circus Arts Centre launched a brand-new creative programme for older adults in East London. Designed as a place for older people in the local community to express their creativity, meet people and have fun, Stratford Arts Social will take place on a monthly basis, with a steering committee of members choosing activities and commissioning artists ensuring that the choice is in the hands of participants.

Yesterday's launch, which was attended by around 200 older adults, included a singing workshop and performances of Bollywood and Chinese Fan Dancing. Future planned sessions include a mixture of familiar activities and some likely to be new, including theatre, photography and aerial acrobatics. At November's event The Age Well Actors, a local theatre company of older people will present their latest play to the group. In addition to the monthly events, a weekly Creative Café event will offer a more regular but informal place to meet and discuss creative projects and ideas with a supportive group.

The launch came in the week that the government announced that GPs in England would be given funding to prescribe patients suffering with loneliness, many of whom are older, with social activities, including dance classes, acknowledging the value of social and artistic activities for wellbeing.

Speaking about Stratford Arts Social, Tom Newton, Creative Learning and Programme Manager said "We want our programme to give a platform for older people to take their space and have their voices heard through art - giving a louder voice through exciting projects to people in our community who can find themselves marginalized."

Stratford Circus Arts Centre Director Tania Wilmer said "We're thrilled to have received funding so that we can make this enhanced offer to the older members of our community. Everyone should have the opportunity to nurture and express themselves creatively."

Cllr Susan Masters, Cabinet Member, Health and Adult Social Care said "As Newham Council's lead member for health and adult social care, I couldn't be happier to hear that Stratford Circus will be offering our older residents free sessions allowing them to explore their creativity, following on Newham Council's recent celebration of Older People's Day. Our later years should be no different to any other time of life in terms of being able to take advantage of opportunities to discover and develop our talents. I very much welcome this additional chance for our residents to get active and make new connections - it will bolster the many other services for older people on offer through our community neighbourhoods"

Stratford Arts Social takes place on the last Tuesday of every month 10.00am - 1.00pm. The Creative Café meets every Thursday 10.00am - 12.00pm.

Anyone wanting to find out about attending/referring should contact colette@stratford-circus.com or call 0208 2791002

Stratford-circus.com