Spark is our long-standing sensory and creative project for care homes. Artists train care home staff to offer ideas for creative engagement which strengthen the bonds between staff and residents. It’s a hugely popular project, and we’re proud of the longstanding relationships we’ve built up with care providers in London and Essex over the years we’ve been delivering the programme in their homes.
We launch a new Spark book!
Our new publication Spark Book of Ideas brings together some of the best Spark ideas and suggestions for those care staff who would like a gentle introduction to some of the programme’s techniques. Written by Lily Ash Sakula and Georgia Akbar, the artists who devised Spark, the book runs through some easy, low cost activities from clay modelling to cyanotype sun prints and paper marbling to poetry. Activities were developed in response to care home staff and resident needs, are suitable for one-to-one or group work, and are adaptable for all levels of ability.
If you’re interested in buying a print copy of the of the full colour 52 page book , please email info@magicme.co.uk for details.
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‘Spark aims to shake up what activities can look like in care homes. Each prompt can happen with any number of residents, last for as long as you like, and use whatever materials or props you have to hand. Activities can be stretched over several weeks, or shrunk down to fit a 5 minute slot before lunch … Enjoy the process of discovery and celebrate residents’ individuality!’
During Spring 2025, we ran Spark sessions with artists in 6 care homes in Essex, in collaboration with Essex County Council Care Home Improvement Team. Spark aims to build stronger communication skills between staff and residents, increase social engagement and physical dexterity, by training staff the confidence to devise and deliver creative activities in their homes long-term. This is the amazing feedback we got –
- Residents experienced an increased sense of connection with staff, other residents or their home. Agree 65%, Strongly Agree 35%
- Residents felt their individual needs, interests and strengths were recognised and valued. Agree 50%, Strongly Agree 50%
- Residents felt an increased sense of wellbeing. Agree 50%, Strongly Agree 50%
- Staff experienced an increase in meaningful connections between residents and staff. Agree 16%, Strongly Agree 84%
- Staff felt an increased sense of wellbeing. Neutral 16%, Agree 34%, Strongly Agree 50%
- Staff gained new ideas, activities and ways of bringing more creativity into care homes. Strongly Agree 100%
- Staff built their confidence in being creative with residents. Agree 34%, Strongly Agree 66%
Thank you to our friends at DesignPrintBind and A & O Sherman for designing and producing the new book so beautifully. It’s a resource for care home staff to keep close at hand for many years to come.