A community arts programme for older people: an evaluation

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Hui, Ada M.L., Stickley, Theodore, Souter, Gary and Mills, Danielle (2016) A community arts programme for older people: an evaluation. Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 20 (1). pp. 22-28. ISSN 2042-8316

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents an evaluation of a community based arts programme for older people in Nottinghamshire.

Design

The evaluation was conducted using a combination of pre and post-initiative quantitative questionnaires and qualitative focus group interviews. This article focuses upon the findings from the focus groups.

Findings

Participants reported feeling more positively about ageing and being more motivated to pursue new opportunities at the end of the programme. Five themes emerged from the focus group interviews, namely i) age and ageing, ii)

the finished product, iii) new opportunities, iv) aspirations and the future and v) personal benefits. These related to increased confidence, having greater creative expression, meaningful occupation and opportunities for socialisation.

Social Implications

The programme was found to be successful in helping individuals feel more positive about their age, to feel more confident and motivated, to engage with others through mutual creativity, as well as to challenge negative social stereotypes of older people.

Originality/Value

The paper will be of relevance and value to those working with older people and those with an interest in the arts. This evaluation demonstrates the diversity of the older population with older citizen’s voices being at the heart of the programme.

Item Type: Article
RIS ID: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/823178
Keywords: Arts; Community arts; Older people; Age; Ageing; Evaluation
Schools/Departments: University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-07-2015-0027
Depositing User: Roe, Jonathan
Date Deposited: 26 Oct 2017 08:19
Last Modified: 04 May 2020 18:16
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/47532

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