Discovering creativity and connection: Brett and Roy’s story

Posted: 17th November 2025

For companions and carers, taking part in our workshops alongside a loved one can be a joyful and enriching experience. It’s a chance to see the person they care for in a new light, to share laughter and creativity, and to enjoy a moment of connection. Here, Brett shares how she and her partner Roy discovered new forms of creativity and how these experiences continue to inspire them in everyday life.

Roy and his partner Brett first came across Arts for Dementia through a dementia community research network event in Southwark. After finding out about our arts workshops from speaking with Penny from our team, they joined their first ten-week programme, a drawing and collage series in Peckham.

Although Roy had spent much of his working life as an accountant, Brett describes him as “a frustrated artist” with a natural creative streak. The sessions gave him the chance to explore that side of himself more fully. “He really enjoyed the tip about drawing faces,” Brett recalls. “He doodles and he likes to draw, so this was a way of building on that.”

What followed was a journey across different art forms. From portraiture and collage to a nature-inspired textiles programme, and even infrared photography and decorating prints, each workshop introduced new ways to be creative. One session inspired them to buy their own infrared camera, which they now use at home and even plan to share with his granddaughter.

For Brett, the programmes offer more than just creative activity. “The variety is very good. You get the opportunity to try a lot of different types of art with very knowledgeable instructors and very dedicated programme managers and volunteers. Everyone is just so nice and welcoming. That’s very important.”

The convenience of community-based delivery has also made participation possible: “It’s very easy to get there, we just hop on the number 12 bus. That convenience factor is significant.”

This highlights the value of our year-round programmes being based in local cultural and community spaces, ensuring that creative opportunities are accessible and can be embedded in daily life.

Just as importantly, the programmes offer connection as well as respite for carers and companions. Brett highlights the balance of being creative together, while also having the space to pursue individual projects. “It’s giving me the opportunity to do things I would not do voluntarily,” she says. “I might find things that I’d want to pursue and there’s still time.”

When asked what they would say to others considering joining a programme, the answer was clear: “It’s a great place to learn in small groups, with patient, talented instructors. You don’t have to be an artist — just come along and try. You may surprise yourself.”