FARNHAM Maltings is delighted to announce the launch of its new group Take Care, a light-hearted drama improvisation group aimed at carers of people with dementia.

Following the club’s pilot season in autumn 2016, organisers have developed a structure over six fortnightly sessions - these sessions can be followed on from each other or be enjoyed on a one off basis.

Each session begins with a welcome circle, followed by a well-being warm up. After this there will be a couple of exploratory sessions, with a break in between, geared towards adapting to changes in character, distraction, empathy and dealing with awkward situations. There is also a cool down and moment for reflection.

During the sessions members will delve deep into the tricks of an actors’ trade – improvisation techniques which have been used for centuries by serious actors and clowns alike to get themselves out of awkward situations – such as when another actor gives them the wrong line, or a piece of scenery malfunctions.

Organisers believe that by transferring actors’ skills to a care situation they can allow carers to feel free to explore more interesting possibilities and equip them with the ‘yes’ approach to an unfamiliar situation, such as when someone with dementia retreats into an alternative reality and would benefit from their carer ‘going along with it’ for a bit.

Take Care gives carers an opportunity to meet other carers over a glass of wine. This is a gentle introduction to these techniques with an experienced, fun and understanding workshop leader, no experience necessary.

This work has been made possible with seed funding from Right at Home (Guildford and Farnham), Farnham Town Council and Farnham Lions Club.

For more information contact Kath Boddy, Arts & Health Programmer at [email protected], or by calling 01252 745444.