In 2018, Strike a Light – Arts & Heritage were delighted to be awarded two further grants to run a new Dancing with Dementia project in Brighton by the Trust for Developing Communities – Healthy Community Fund and the Mrs A Lacy-Tate Trust for our new Brighton project called Dancing with Dementia.

The sessions took place at a new purpose built residence Brooke Mead Extra Care Housing scheme in partnership with Brighton and Hove Council.

The sessions began in February 2018 and focused on people with early onset dementia, their families and scheme visitors.

“Dancing with Dementia is another excellent example of why Strike a Light is a truly committed community organisation. It’s not all about big grants, these local, hands-on local endeavours keep us in touch with our wonderfully diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods. Dancing is one of the best and most fun ways to communicate. I’m delighted to hear that we have been successful in our bid for support from the Healthy Neighbourhood Fund.”

Dr Sam Carroll – Strike a Light Director

“It’s fantastic for Strike A Light to be continuing our work with people living with dementia, thanks to the Healthy Neighbourhood Fund – we are pleased to be able to build on our successes in this project with new participants at Brook Mead, an exciting new development for the city.”

Clare Hankinson – Fabrica Gallery

This followed on from a pilot project in East Brighton with dementia sufferers in a care home in the city from December 2016 to Spring 2017 with a variety of music and performance and freelance practitioners.

One session brought together music students from local music college Access to Music Brighton and the residents to create a singalong and encourage an inter-generational experience.

Thanks to charity Jewish Care for hosting our visit.