The Hive in Worcester is marking Dementia Action Week with a community forget-me-not art project and a talk offering support to people affected by dementia.
Creative makers of all ages and abilities are being called on to help create a giant forget-me-not quilt, made up of flowers produced using a wide range of mediums, including knitting, crochet, paint, paper and more.
The completed artwork will form a striking display symbolising remembrance, awareness and community support.
Alongside the art project, a special talk will take place on Monday 18 May, delivered by Dr Catrin Jones, Senior Lecturer in the University of Worcester’s Association for Dementia Studies.
As well as creating flowers at home or in community groups, there’ll be opportunities during Dementia Action Week for people to join creative sessions at The Hive.
These take place on the 19th, 20th and 21st May between 12-2pm, and there’ll be refreshments and art materials for anyone who comes along to get creative.
Organiser Gemma Dunn from The Hive said: “Libraries are at the heart of the community, and for Dementia Action Week, we wanted to create something that is welcoming, creative and completely inclusive.”
She continued: “The forget-me-not project invites people of all ages and abilities to take part in a shared piece of artwork that symbolises remembrance, awareness and support.”
“Dementia can be an incredibly lonely experience, for the people living with it and their families and carers,” Gemma said. “This is about opening up conversations and creating a kind, safe space where people can simply come along, be listened to, and feel connected.”
“Everything we’re offering is free, because everyone should be able to access support and take part,” she added. “We’re incredibly grateful to Worcester Community Garden for their support.”
Anyone who creates forget-me-knots for the project can drop them into the Hive in person anytime between 8.30am-10pm any day of the week, or post them to Forget-Me-Nots Appeal, The Hive Library, Sawmill Close, The Butts, Worcester WR1 3DP.
Dr Catrin Jones’ talk will discuss the latest research in terms of risk reduction and understanding how to adapt to life with dementia.
Catrin said: “The talk is for anyone who has a personal or professional interest in dementia, and I’d really like to see people who have experience of living with dementia.”
Catrin added: “It’ll be a chance to hear about the research we’re doing at the Association of Dementia Studies and also share the work we’ve been doing with Worcestershire Libraries. We’ll also be asking attendees what they think about what we do, so they can feedback and give us ideas of work we could look at in the future.”
To ensure the maximum number of people can attend, it’ll be held at both 11:30 and 1830. Places are free but should be booked in advance. You can book tickets by following this link.