I was so pleased and proud of myself. I’m so glad I took part; we are sat down doing nothing and nothing. It made me feel young. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Transforming care homes through creative arts
Connection, creativity and wellbeing for residents and staff in East London and Essex care homes.
Care home project
Our flagship care home project, Spark, is a combination of training for care home staff and visits from specially trained artists to care homes. A range of sensory activities is offered to older residents, and creativity is embedded in the everyday life of the home.
Spark Book of Ideas - download your copy now
We recently launched a new Spark guide: The Spark Book of Ideas. The book 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. You can download your free copy here.
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Spark works for residents who are non-verbal or extremely chatty, have limited mobility or don’t want to sit down, are excited by art or unsure about it. Please don’t hesitate to try things!
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Remember Bob, who you did the light activity with? He now joins us on outings which he never did before you came.
Spark and its impact
Spark sees Magic Me's Associate Artists and care home staff offer residents a range of creative activities which focus on the sensory – light, colour, texture – including natural ink paper marbling, weaving 'guest-books’, and making light-sensitive prints or cyanotypes. All the Spark techniques use inexpensive, easily available materials and equipment, and our visiting artists are trained to adapt the activities to those who are living with a dementia, or who cannot leave their bed or room. Homes receive in-person coaching and artist visits, online training, a legacy resource pack of materials and ideas to extend activities once artists have left.
We are particularly grateful for our partnership with Essex County Council which has developed this project in collaboration with Magic Me. EEC has brought Spark to many of its care homes over the years, benefitting thousands of residents.
Spark is developed and supported through local authority contracts and Trusts & Foundation funding. Learn more about how to support our work below.