Golden Plains Shire Council has partnered with Geelong Regional Libraries to deliver the Create and Connect Program for Golden Plains community members who are living with dementia or experiencing early onset dementia and to help support their carers or companions.
Specially curated to promote brain health and social connection, the Create and Connect program will feature a series of Storytelling Sessions and Art Sessions, held across three locations in Golden Plains in Dereel, Meredith and Bannockburn with the first session to be held on Monday 3 October and run until Thursday 9 March, 2023.
The Storytelling Sessions are an opportunity for attendees to share stories in an interactive and relaxed environment with a range of multisensory materials; photographs, extracts from classic and well-known books, poetry, songs and other objects designed to stimulate memories and encourage conversation.
The Art Sessions aim to re-establish a sense of self for participants by exploring new ways of expression and communication through different art forms. Each session has been designed to stimulate recollections and encourage conversations around memories and feelings tied to themes.
Quotes attributable to Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble
“The Create and Connect program is an excellent opportunity for community members in Dereel, Bannockburn, Meredith and surrounds, living with dementia or experiencing early onset dementia to come together and engage in conversation with others while stimulating memories.
“Council is committed to maximising our older resident’s mental health to assist them to age well and remain connected. We are delighted to be working alongside Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation to deliver this important program to support our residents.”
Quotes attributable to Geelong Regional Libraries CEO Vanessa Schernickau
“We’re so pleased to partner with Golden Plains Shire on this important initiative. The Create and Connect program has been specially curated to promote brain health and social connection, such an important part of healthy ageing and healthy communities.”
“A number of our library staff received specialist dementia training ahead of these workshops, to increase understanding of dementia and how to best adjust our communications and practices to help those living with dementia. These skills will benefit our communities during the Create and Connect sessions, and beyond.”
The Create and Connect Program has been made possible thanks to the Health and Wellbeing Innovation Grants from the State Library of Victoria and Public Libraries Victoria.
To find out further information about the Create & Connect Program, contact Council’s Active Ageing & Inclusion team at 5220 7151 or ageing@[email protected].
Registration is essential. To register, for the Storytelling Sessions visit grlc.vic.gov.au/events
To register for the Art Sessions visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events.