“Many thanks Rosie for a lovely morning. I obtained more information in that session than I have over the past two years of seeing health professionals and being in workshops about dementia. It was lovely to chat with others there and access the art activities too”
The Creative Carers Programme at Birmingham Museums Trust (BMT) has been running since January 2016, and is growing every year! In 2019 we have expanded our programme so we will be running 19 free sessions for adult carers to come along, try a new art activity in one of our museums, meet new people and enjoy a cup of tea and some cake. Creative Carers is one of BMT’s wellbeing programmes, designed to give carers a much needed break from their caring responsibilities and a chance to relax and do something for themselves.
Birmingham Museums Trust runs nine museum sites across the city, from the ruins of a medieval castle in Weoley, to a jewellery factory preserved as it was when it closed in the 1980s. We also have two city centre sites – Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, and Thinktank Science Museum. Every session is delivered at one of our interesting and beautiful sites, so we’re hoping there’ll always be something that is of interest, and easily accessible for everyone. Sessions are run both weekdays and weekends, to suit as many people as possible, and every session is free to join.
Over the last three years carers have tried out printing, paper marbling, and felt making as well as getting hands on with Ancient Egyptian objects, and going behind-the-scenes at our Museums Collection Centre, where around 800,000 objects are stored and preserved for the future. This year’s programme includes another chance to see the store as well as trying silk painting, making your own dream catcher, and the chance to hold Ancient Greek artefacts.
Whether you’re an experienced artist, or you haven’t tried anything creative since school, the sessions are always designed to suit everyone’s abilities, and we aim for everyone to feel relaxed and cared for. Sessions are very popular and must be pre-booked – they can get fully booked quite quickly, but we’ll always try and fit people in if at all possible. If you would like a copy of the programme, if you’d like to book a space, or just find out more information, please contact Rosie Barker, Community Engagement Officer, on Rosie.Barker@BirminghamMuseums.org.uk
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