Age Exchange shortlisted for ‘Hearts for the Arts’ Award

Community Integrated Care’s partners, Age Exchange, have had some fantastic news this week seeing them being shortlisted for a ‘Hearts for the Arts’ award. The nomination was put forward for their joint project, ‘Creative Journeys’, with Essex County Council, Orchestras Live and Green Candle Dance Company. 

‘Creative Journeys’ is an innovative project exploring the role of arts and culture in care settings and how they develop and maintain relationships between older people, care staff and the wider community. The project has been shortlisted in the ‘Best Local Authority Arts Project Encouraging Community Cohesion’ category.

The scheme was created to tackle social isolation and loneliness for older people in care homes who may still feel the negative impact on wellbeing loneliness can have, despite living within the proximity of others. ‘Creative Journeys’ seeks to explore how arts activities encourage social relationships to flourish in care settings and the surrounding community, which studies have shown is key in tackling loneliness and isolation.

David Savill, Artistic Director at Age Exchange, said of the nomination, “We are extremely proud to be shortlisted for these respected awards celebrating this fantastic creative project which is helping to change the lives of older people in care experiencing isolation and loneliness. This nomination recognises the dedication and hard work of everyone working on the project, and we look forward to continue working with our partners in the future.” 

The ‘Hearts for the Arts’ awards are an annual celebration of the local authorities who invest in the joy excitement and life-enriching quality of the arts. The winners will be announced on the 14^th February, Valentine’s day, and will be judged by a range of industry professionals, including journalist Samira Ahmed, and comedian and TV personality, Les Dennis.

The project has been described by the judges as a, “major, important partnership project that explores how creativity can overcome social isolation and bind people together.”