At Arcot House in Sidmouth Doveleigh Care have been offering a weekly art club now for over four years.

Trevor, our activities support worker, first started the art club back in 2019 when Samantha Evens was the manager of the home. She soon recognised the need to have a designated area for arts and crafts and so an office was turned into an art room which continues today with the present manager, Jenna Heynes.

Over the years Trevor has introduced many different art forms, some more challenging than others, but always enjoyable and creative for the residents which includes painting with acrylics and watercolours, wood, dried leaves, potatoes, felt, tissue, chalks and pastels.

Dulcie, left, and Edna with artwork (Doveleigh Care)

When Julia started at Dove Court last year as their activities support worker, she adopted similar ideas but also uses more props like flowers and ornaments to aid her residents to do art.

Julia said: "Trevor gave me the confidence to start up a similar art club in Dove Court knowing how beneficial it is. I was definitely out of my comfort zone at first but as the weeks passed l, and our residents, have gained so much confidence and enjoyment from what we do l can't imagine not having an art club now!"

We have both found the art classes are very therapeutic for the residents helping with their mood, giving them a sense of satisfaction and pride in what they have created and the enjoyment that comes from being in a small group, listening to music and having lots of fun.

Art Therapy Room, left, and Mary with artwork (Doveleigh Care)

Examples of their art are on constant display in both homes. Arcot is fortunate to have a large arched window in the dining room which we decorate according to the seasons or social events like Valentine's Day, the recent coronation, Christmas and Remembrance Day.

Each resident has a folder where we keep their artwork. This can then be passed onto their families and friends when the time comes.

We have a few residents who felt they weren't able to carry out this hobby anymore. With the regular clubs and support from staff, they are now back doing a hobby that they enjoy. Val said: "If her husband could see her now, he wouldn't believe it." Whilst Cathy recalled how she used to "do a lot of artwork at school and received two certificates from her private school as a child."

Arcot House dining room window (Doveleigh Care)

We both feel very privileged to be able to work with our residents in this way and to have the support from our colleagues and senior management and to witness, first hand, just how much our residents get from this wonderful creative and engaging activity.

Sidmouth Nub News is sponsored by Doveleigh Care. Without support from local community-minded companies and charities like them, we would not be able to provide the dedicated local news we do every week. Please support them.