Residents of Surrey Heights Dementia Care Centre, part of CHD Living, visited a dementia-friendly art exhibition and sculpture trail hosted by King Edward School, Witley, in partnership with appART. Wellbeing Coordinator Karen accompanied residents on short walks to the school, where they engaged with artworks including Beatles-themed pieces and a tiger sculpture. One resident, Nick, was encouraged to apply to exhibit his own work at next year's event, while another resident, Karen, who had previously declined outings, participated calmly and enthusiastically.
This story matters because it demonstrates how thoughtful, small-scale community partnerships can make art accessible to people living with dementia, improving their wellbeing, confidence, and sense of inclusion. It highlights the role of local arts initiatives in fostering social connection and personal agency for vulnerable populations, offering a replicable model for dementia-friendly programming that prioritizes comfort, routine, and individual interests over large-scale events.