Magic Moments supports everyone’s right to creative expression through sensory-based arts activities and training opportunities for Care Professionals.

The project aims to:

• Increase wellbeing for Residents and Staff

• Provide new ways for Residents and Staff to meaningfully connect

• Highlight the value of creativity in Care Homes

Activities are designed in collaboration with Care Staff and led by five key principles – read more about the principles and the ‘Magic Moments Approach‘.

Magic Moments in Essex

In 2021, Magic Me received funding from Essex County Council to build upon our work connecting Care Professionals with Artists to creatively respond to the unique challenges Care Homes faced during the pandemic and those they continue to navigate today.

Led by artists Lily Ash Sakula and Georgia Akbar, this initial project focused on connecting with residents unable to or less likely to join communal activities which included people unable to (or who prefer not to) leave their rooms or bed. Care Home partners expressed the need for creative activities that were accessible to people with a range of needs (e.g. later-stage dementia, reduced mobility) and were deliverable for staff in both group and 1-to-1 settings. 

“I never thought I’d do this again, you’ve brought me to life today.”

Care Home Resident

Artists worked in-depth with two pilot homes to test ‘sensory experiments‘ focusing on touch, light and colour. These experiments were refined with a wider network of Care Homes to produce a practical resource for Activity Workers, Care Professionals and Carers.

Read more about Magic Moments in Essex here.

Reaching more people in more places 

Throughout 2022, Magic Me partnered with Creative Support, a national care provider, and Rights Made Real in Care Homes, a Scottish initiative to promote human rights for Care Home Residents, to continue the legacy of Magic Moments in Essex.

Between 2021 – 22, the project reached 43 care homes across, Essex, London and Scotland working with 57 Care Professionals and over 500 residents.

“The activities created a new dynamic, they unlocked so much.”

Care Professional

With input from Magic Me, Rights Made Real in Care Homes produced the ‘Lingo of Connection’ resource, supporting Care Staff to meaningfully connect with Residents who may no longer communicate through words or language.

“What you think you’re gonna get is not always what you’re gonna get from the box and it’s nice to see their reactions, the element of surprise.”

Care Professional

Continuing to test, develop and collaborate

In 2023, Magic Moments will explore and co-design new sensory-based creative activities with Care Staff and Residents in Waltham Forest and Essex.

Between 2021 – 22, this project was funded by Essex County Council, The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington, and My Home Life Trust

Current project funders The Rayne Foundation, Essex County Council, Childwick Trust & Postcode Lottery