Draw for Life delivered dementia-friendly drawing sessions at Brooke Mead, a Brighton & Hove Seniors Housing Scheme which has been custom built to provide dementia-friendly residence. Led by Jane Fordham, the project explores drawing as a life-enhancing activity. Drawing is a powerful tool for personal expression and can improve general well-being.

This pilot project introduced Drawing sessions to residents of Brooke Mead and local people, providing an opportunity for participants to make connections with Brooke Mead and Fabrica, both of which provide accessible activity programmes for older people and people living with dementia. Inclusive to all, these workshops allow any participant, regardless of their drawing level, to express themselves free of judgement and use this artistic medium for a personal stimulating experience.

The general methodology for the workshop focuses on life drawing with a life model. Sessions have taken various shapes within that, with some including life modelling, others being themed as tea parties with integrated drawing exploring still life, which were extremely successful as it took some of the academic pressure of some of the participants.

​This project was kindly supported by Age UK Brighton & Hove through the Dementia Action Alliance.