Funding from Kent Community Foundation has helped Shapeshifter Productions to provide Smiling Sessions at Care Homes in Dover and Folkestone.
Kent Community Foundation was approached by Shapeshifter Productions for funding for their “Smiling Sessions” initiative which combats loneliness bringing senior citizens together through song.
Funding for the project meant the charity was able to deliver 36 Smiling Sessions to over 150 people aged over 65, living in six Care & Support sheltered housing schemes in Folkestone and Dover in partnership with Hythe Care, Sai Care Homes, and Dover District Council.
Alison Jones, Shapeshifter Productions Ltd said, “This project aims to improve mental and physical health and well-being, cognitive function and happiness while reducing depression, anxiety and the chronic loneliness many elderly people are experiencing. The sessions take place in communal living areas and reach those who may otherwise have no access to group activities due to a range of issues including illness, disability, anxiety, fear of rejection or being unable to cope with symptoms whilst not at home, that discourage them from social participation.”
A Smiling Session engages participants in singing and clapping, stories and laughter. Residents are encouraged to suggest their favourite songs which have often marked specific times and events in their lives.
“The Smiling Sessions helped clients that would not normally participate in activities, participate. It was clear from engagement and reactions that they clearly enjoyed it! Hopefully in the near future we will see you again” Hatfield Lodge team, Folkestone.
“…Thanks for such an amazing afternoon. The wonderful Smiling Sessions is all about bringing people together and that’s certainly what happened today” Wells Lodge team, Sandgate
Hannah Hayfield, Communications Manager, Kent Community Foundation said, “It was an absolute pleasure to recently join one of the Shapeshifter Productions Smiling Sessions to film the activity for our series of impact videos which demonstrate how our funding is improving the lives of people across the county. We have five funding priorities and this wonderful project was funded from money that supports the elderly and isolated.”
To watch the Kent Community Foundation impact video about Shapeshifter Productions visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-lvzo9908I
To contact Kent Community Foundation about funding for charities and community groups email admin@kentcf.org.uk or visit www.kentcf.org.uk/funding
Notes
Kent Community Foundation awarded Shapeshifter Productions £5,000 from Daisy’s Foundation and the Elderly & Isolated Fund in March 2024.
In 2019, Kent Council Reported they estimated about 10% of 65+ years (about 30,000 people in Kent), suffer from acute loneliness: http://bit.ly/47o60Zo
About Shapeshifter Productions
Shapeshifter Productions has been changing people’s lives through the arts since 2007. It is a performing arts charity making culture accessible, bringing world-class artists to share their expertise with communities of diverse ages and backgrounds, engaging in projects that not only build skills and confidence but also address well-being, self-esteem, anxiety and loneliness.
www.shapeshifter-productions.com
About Kent Community Foundation
Experienced grant-maker Kent Community Foundation is the organisation behind the organisations and has been finding, funding, and supporting some of the smallest voluntary groups in the county for over twenty three years. In this time, it has distributed £60 million to support thousands of small charities and deserving causes where a modest sum of money can make a significant impact.
Kent Community Foundation is part of a UK wide accredited network of forty-seven Community Foundations who are committed to improving the lives of local people and communities, particularly the most vulnerable, isolated, and disadvantaged by matching those who want to help, with those who need the help.
Responsible for more than ninety philanthropic funds, Kent Community Foundation is unrivalled in its knowledge of local causes and assists individuals, families, and businesses who want to help, to establish and administer their own charitable funds.
Kent Community Foundation funding priorities –
- Children, Young People & Families
Supporting disadvantaged children and young people’s physical and mental health, encouraging positive choices and staying safe. - Vulnerable Adults
Helping those who may need extra care dealing with challenging issues or those at risk of social exclusion or discrimination.
3. Elderly and Isolated
Enabling elderly adults to stay well, healthy, independent and free from social isolation.
4. Employability, Skills & Enterprise
Creating opportunities to develop skills and confidence and have a positive impact in areas and groups of people with high unemployment.
5. Environment
Encouraging community action to improve and protect local spaces with support sustainable ways of living.
