Press Releases
New Objects of Comfort digital resource launched on National Art in Care Home Day
Date:
2020-09-24Amgueddfa Cymru uses Wales’ national collections to help improve well-being in care homes during pandemic
For the past five months, Amgueddfa Cymru has been sharing objects from the national collections on its social media channels, that have comforted people in the past in times of stress and hardship. From a hot water bottle and a blanket to a teddy bear and a grandfather clock, the hope was that they would help to bring solace or improve the mood and wellbeing of others during COVID 19.
To mark National Arts in Care Home Day (24 September), Amgueddfa Cymru is now launching a new web page and digital resources about these objects and many others, specifically for use in care homes other group settings.
Activity sheets and more information on the objects are now downloadable for care settings to use to generate conversations and stimulate happy memories for those at risk of social isolation. Take a look at the new resources here
Amgueddfa Cymru ran a pilot over the summer months with various groups and care homes in Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Cardiff, trying out the themed activities and providing feedback to shape the resource. Professionals with many years’ experience of working with older people, learning difficulties and people living with dementia, as well as those with lived experience of the condition all contributed to the final product.
One activity which proved popular with care settings was based on the theme of holidays and day trips. From conversations sparked by looking at pictures of holiday destinations and souvenirs from the museum’s collections, residents at Pen-y-bont Nursing Home in Abertillery looked at various items found on the seashore and ended with a sing along to ‘I Do Want to be Beside the Seaside’ and ice cream.
Mandy Reed, Activity Co-ordinator said: ‘It’s great to see museum collections being used for the starting point for discussion around themes our residents can relate to, and the hands-on activities that are linked to those will be enjoyed by many, I’m sure’.
The project is in partnership with the Welsh Government, the Older Person’s Commisioner, Alzheimer’s Society, Innovate Trust and the Greater Gwent Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Partnership.
The Amgueddfa Cymru events and exhibitions programme is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Sharon Ford, Learning Manager and wellbeing lead for Amgueddfa Cymru, said,
“Museums can play a huge part in improving both our mental and physical health, through general visits or targeted programmes. Across our seven museums, we work with a range of health and wellbeing partners to develop meaningful and stimulating activities for those with a variety of needs.
“Objects of Comfort is one example of the work we are doing. Over the past few years we have also developed the Men’s Shed and dementia friendly underground tour at Big Pit and mindful guided walks at St Fagans and the Exhibition of Hope at the Wool Museum – all for a variety of different needs.
“Many people are and have been socially isolated during COVID-19 and the aim of Objects of Comfort is to help those people in need and get a greater understanding of how the collections of Amgueddfa Cymru can be used help improve the wellbeing of residents in care settings now and for the future.”
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said:
“Objects of Comfort provides a unique way to connect people living in care homes with Amgueddfa Cymru’s collection, and I’m sure the campaign will spark many lively conversations and memories throughout Wales.
“Activities in care homes are crucial in helping older people to have a good quality of life and at a time when usual activities might not be available I would urge care homes to get involved with the campaign and utilise the excellent resources that have been developed by Amgueddfa Cymru.”
Amgueddfa Cymru is a family of seven museums and a collections centre, which are all free to enter thanks to the support of the Welsh Government. Together, it is home to the nation’s art, history and science collections, which will continue to grow so that they can be used and enjoyed by both present and future generations.
One of its museums, St Fagans National Museum of History which explores the history and culture of Wales, won the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2019.
As a registered charity, Amgueddfa Cymru is grateful for all support. The events and exhibitions programme is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Amgueddfa Cymru has recently launched a public consultation asking the people of Wales for their view on what they should do over the next 10 years, to help make Wales a better place in which to grow up, to live and to work.
The consultation will be live until 30 September. People can contribute in different ways by visiting museum.wales/yoursay, sending comments via email, completing a survey, or by getting creative through family activities.
There is also an easy read document and survey and a spoken version of the consultation.There will also be opportunities throughout the consultation period to respond through our Amgueddfa Cymru Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
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