Discovering Joy - drama workshops across Herts (4 min read)

Joy.

Such a small and simple word…

And yet, we know, so very important to us.

Not only because it will score you a pleasing 13 in Scrabble (no mean feat for a 3-letter word!) but it is something most of us openly search for and if it happens to appear just briefly, well, the whole day/ week/ month is all the better for it.

I am in the lucky position of saying that, over the last month, I have discovered so much shared joy providing drama workshops in dementia groups across Herts. I'm also very grateful for, and humbled by, the generosity and willingness to ‘play’ of all the many people I have met.

Just over a month ago, I hosted a workshop at the ‘Home Instead’ community cafe (this month’s image is a beautiful post-box topper made to raise local awareness of dementia and the work of ‘Home Instead’ who have just relocated to Baldock), as well as ‘Hertwise’ support groups in Letchworth, Hertford and Redbourn with another scheduled tomorrow at ‘Open Art Box’ in Stevenage.

Not only this, but I have also been able to observe the wonderful work of ‘The Red Shed’, a beautiful little dementia friendly garden in Stevenage (mainly looked after by volunteers) and ‘Music 24’, in Watford, where I was welcomed with big smiles and the expectation that I would most DEFINITELY be joining in with all the music, singing and dancing – which you will be reassured to know I did! And, I have to be honest, it was a truly fabulous start to a Tuesday morning!

And what have all these experiences taught me? It is something we all know but it's so important to be reminded of – a feeling lasts longer than any words or actions. How a person or situation makes us feel is something that truly lingers and whilst someone with dementia may struggle to understand or retain information, instructions or conversation they are far more likely to be able to read the mood of a room and, if that space holds joy, then they can happily be part of it. Seeing others, especially those we love, laughing and smiling makes us feel happy too - it is involuntary but incredibly far reaching. And, if only for a little while, it is something wonderful that lasts.

Another important realisation is that whilst one person may have dementia, whilst living in a supportive partnership or marriage, it is very much two people that carry it through their lives. I've met numerous group members who are attending sessions long after they have lost their loved ones - mainly because the groups continue to offer a welcoming, friendly community, a warm cup of tea and the chance to simply laugh and connect. Again – joy. Such a reward when we find it.

Finally, these most recent sessions have made me think about endings and the time afterwards. Can we find joy in those times? We focus a lot on good beginnings, but good endings are vital too. In regards to my workshops, the ending and moments afterwards have proven very important. It will be at this time, as I am packing the props away, that someone will come over and share a memory with me or something about their life. Or simple just enjoy putting the items back in the box with me. We do it together. Sometimes connection does not have to be verbal and sometimes the important moments do not need to be complicated. Joy takes many forms.

And so, with this in mind, I head into the last couple of workshops before I start work on creating the play. I have learnt far more than I ever thought and am so grateful to all the many people working in this area who have shared their knowledge, as well as all the wonderful memories I've been told. And, in the spirit of joy, that leads me onto my dementia tip for this month…

Dementia Tip – A smile can make someone with dementia feel secure. In a world that has become hard to process, taking time as you speak, not using too many words and being clear can be really helpful. Sometimes the simplest things work best and don’t ever underestimate the power of a smile.

Please note - links to all groups mentioned can be found on the Resources page.