Happier, more connected lives through creativity: Frank and Bee’s story

Posted: 6th January 2026

When Bee first heard about Arts for Dementia through an email from Mind, she and her partner Frank were feeling increasingly isolated. Social opportunities had become rare, and much of her time was focused on caring responsibilities and medical appointments. “We don’t really do much,” Bee explains. “It’s difficult… so this has been a revelation. I wish I knew about it before.”

Their first programme with Arts for Dementia was a dance and movement workshop led by English National Ballet at Swiss Cottage Library. At first, Frank was hesitant. “He said, ‘I can’t dance’,” Bee recalls. “But by the end he was laughing like anything.”

This first step opened the door to a series of creative opportunities — from sculpture workshops to music-making with the Philharmonia Orchestra, and even sessions at Buckingham Palace. Each programme brought new experiences and connections.

For Bee, the workshops have become “the highlight of our week.” She describes them as a safe, welcoming space where creativity is encouraged without judgement or pressure to achieve. Unlike structured classes, where the focus is on outcomes, Arts for Dementia’s sessions are about participation, expression, and enjoyment.

“It’s wonderful that we can have a space to be creative without expectation,” Bee says.

Importantly, the workshops benefit both Frank, who lives with dementia, and Bee as his companion. Bee reflects that the sessions not only reduce stress and loneliness, but also strengthen their relationship: “It reflects on the people as a couple… it’s also about the relationship between them.”

The impact goes beyond creative engagement. Bee highlights how the intergenerational atmosphere — working with younger volunteers and artists — helps break down social divisions: “There’s nothing really for the soul, for the inner us. But here, we come out really happy, like we’ve achieved something.”

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.”

For Bee and Frank there are not may opportunities to just get out and relax and enjoy themselves and these programmes have become an important aspect in their wellbeing. “Well, it’s something we both look forward to very much. It’s like the highlight of our week. We feel quite deprived when it’s not happening, you know, when it’s finished. Because, you know, we don’t really do much. It’s difficult. You know, we don’t really have much communication or connections.”

Arts for Dementia’s year-round programmes, delivered in partnership with leading cultural organisations, ensure that opportunities for creativity and connection are available throughout the year.

Bee encourages others who may feel hesitant, like Frank once did, to give it a try: “Just come and share. It’s a loving environment, a safe environment. You don’t have to do anything — just being there is enough.”