Care UK is the official health and social care sponsor of The Big Draw Festival 2020, which this year is themed: The Big Green Draw: A Climate of Change.
For the second year running, Care UK is hosting Big Draw Festival events in over 50 of its care homes across the UK throughout October.
For The Big Draw Festival 2019, over half of Care UK’s 123 homes teamed up with schools, nurseries and groups of young people to draw, craft and create together alongside residents as part of their Big Draw Festival 'Drawn to Life' activities.
In response to the challenges brought about by COVID-19, Care UK is exploring a more digital approach to its Big Draw events in 2020 by continuing to encourage intergenerational participation – but remotely. Activities will reflect this year's Festival theme by encouraging participants to embrace their creative sides, get back to nature and explore environmental and wildlife themes.
Care UK homes have already come up with some exciting creative ideas. For example, Bowes House in Hailsham is preparing to take residents on a virtual safari with the help of Knockhatch Adventure Park.
Care UK’s dementia expert, Suzanne Mumford, said: “The recent pandemic has shown very powerfully how important and rewarding creative activities can be to care home residents, particularly when some of the more usual trips out and visitors have not been accessible.
“The Big Draw initiative really resonates with our activity-based approach to care.
“After last year’s life drawing class, I can’t wait to see what our teams and residents come up with for their Big Green Draw Festival celebrations this year.”
Director of The Big Draw Kate Mason said: “Care UK has a history and track record in supporting individuals to feel fulfilled, active and supported in their environment – often through challenging times for them and their families.
“I visited Sherwood Grange (Care UK home) for a Big Draw event in 2019 which proved to be a truly life-affirming and uplifting experience. The commitment from all involved, and quality of artwork produced, was a delight to witness. An added benefit was to have the opportunity to chat with some of the artist residents and hear a little about their own stories and adventures.
“Care UK - like The Big Draw - values and embeds opportunities for creative engagement across its national portfolio of care homes- seeing first-hand the impact that little things can have. Small things can often lead to big things and act as a positive catalyst for an individual’s quality of life and increased self-confidence.
“With all the above in mind, we are delighted that Care UK has agreed to be the official health and social care sponsor for The Big Green Draw Festival 2020: A Climate of Change.”
