A unique arts project in Calderdale has looked behind the myths surrounding dementia to reveal the stories of those with the condition that is set to affect £1m people in the UK within the next decade.
Writer Paula Sutherland and photographer and film-maker Geoff Brokate from arts company verd de gris were commissioned to provide creative sessions for dementia sufferers and in doing so were able to explore how the disease affects the individual.
The project has resulted in a multi-media exhibition, Soul Journey, at the Creative Arts Hub in Mirfield.
Murray Forrest from the Hub explained: “Paula and Geoff from verd de gris provide creative dementia sessions in Hebden Bridge, working with people with dementia.
“Because dementia has such a stigma and is always perceived in a negative way they are working against this by getting people to work in the moment and with the right stimulus.”
The exhibition includes film, poetry, songs, photographs and an installation and focuses on four people living with dementia – Jack, Margaret, Norma and Kate – all of whose voices can be heard through the project.
Verd de gris has spent 12 months hosting creative sessions and filming in the Pennine landscape with Jack, who was the main inspiration for Soul Journey.
After a lifetime walking the hills of the Upper Calder Valley Jack was able to re-trace his steps and re-awake memories.
The exhibition has been supported by NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS Huddersfield Clinical Commissioning Group, Kirklees Council and Mirfield Health Centre.
It is part of the Dementia Friends initiative, launched by the Alzheimer’s Society and funded by the Government, to create dementia-friendly communities.
On Saturday, March 28, there will be a film screening of Soul Journey followed by a Dementia Friends information session.
The event starts at 4pm at the Hub on Huddersfield Road.
The day before, March 27, sees the launch of a Dementia Cafe in Trinity Church, Mirfield.
The exhibition is on until April 11 and can be seen from Wednesday to Friday between 10am and 5pm and on Saturdays from 10am until 3pm.
Entry is free.
