Art and healthcare put older people in the frame

A health and wellbeing festival for older people is helping to connect different generations in Northern Ireland through creative arts.

The ‘Here and Now’ festival is co-funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Arts Care and is celebrating the creativity of older people from across Northern Ireland at a new exhibition.

The ‘Right Here, Right Now’ exhibition, is open to the public at the Arts for All Gallery in Cityside Retail Park, Belfast and runs throughout the month of May.

Jeff Scroggie, Regional Lead for Ageing Well at the PHA said: “The Here and Now health and wellbeing festival is a valuable programme of activity engaging older people in exciting arts events and experiences which they may not have easy access to on a regular basis.

“The art exhibition is an excellent demonstration of how older people can express their artistic side while also connecting with other participants and the wider community.

“Here and Now provides an opportunity for intergenerational engagement with younger people through some of the arts and wellbeing activities, which is beneficial for the wellbeing of all involved.”

Helping to address issues such as isolation and loneliness, the Here and Now intergenerational projects can see older and young people come together in arts workshops to celebrate life, learning and shared experiences among age groups who may not normally interact.

Clare Lawlor, Here and Now coordinator at Arts Care said: “The Here and Now festival works to address important health and wellbeing issues among older people in urban and rural settings through creativity and engagement.

“The project also works with education and community services, enriching people’s lives by bringing joy, connection and creativity to those who might otherwise face barriers to participating in the arts.

“It’s important that everyone knows that arts activities are for them, regardless of age or background, and when we reach out and engage with art there is a real benefit to both the mental and physical health of all those involved.”

Find out more about the projects at www.artscare.co.uk