As National Activity Providers & Professionals Week celebrates the incredible work, compassion and commitment of activity providers, we asked some of our team what the role means to them.
Sam, Eeva and Jacqui are three of our amazing facilitators and their activity sessions in care homes and across the community bring smiles, comfort and joy to so many older people. Here’s what they said…
Sam
Having retrained as a community dance practitioner last year, I feel very lucky to share my joy of dancing and music with people. Seeing people smile the moment they hear a favourite tune is the best feeling you can get.
Having cared for my Mum who had dementia, I know just how much music and dancing can help people relax by bringing them back into happy memories. Now I get to hear lots of amazing stories: from the excitement of seeing The Beatles live, to hearing how people met their partners at the local dance. I’m so lucky to be able to do this as my job.
When people find it difficult to express themselves, dancing provides a different way to communicate. I love to see how playing music helps people to connect with others.
Eeva
My work with 0-104 year olds has always got the first focus on wellbeing and learning ‘sustainability’ in relation to ourselves/our bodies.
I like teaching movement to ‘ordinary people’ who might very well say at first, ‘oh, I’m not a dancer!’. It is very rewarding to discover, together, where everyday movement becomes something else, something with meaning, with feeling and the effect is felt in a smile or an uplift in mood.
Through the work with Alive, I have been lucky to make many a heartful connection with people in their care settings and hopefully my sessions have contributed to the elders’ overall sense of wellbeing and belonging!
Jacqui
Knowing that I will have brought some extra cheer, smiles and kindness through touch, conversation and beautiful music is a wonderful feeling.
Making those special connections with individuals and groups, that really need uplifting and human warmth, fills my heart with joy.
Want to know more?
Dive in to our wide range of activity sessions, or get in touch with us to book here.