Clay Club by Everyday in Wigan, funded by Dementia United's Big Brain Health Fund. Utilising creativity with clay as a powerful tool in promoting better brain health.

Everyday Wigan started their Clay Club thanks to an award from Dementia United’s Big Brain Health Fund.

The aim of the project was to utilise being creative with clay as a powerful tool in promoting better brain health. Participants were guided through learning how to produce ceramics by using different hand – building techniques. The participants were also taken through the process of how to glaze their creations.

The impact that I see on those living with dementia is that they are more socially engaged, they are being creative, they’re meeting other people, they’re using their motor skills, they’ve found genuine joy. Emily Calland, Engagement Director, Everyday in Wigan

Despite some initial scepticism, the participants all loved their time at Clay Club, with 100% stating that they learned new skills and were entertained, motivated, and inspired all the time.

You sit there and it’s as if you leave all your troubles on the step and you come in and you completely relax. Well B’s got dementia and he does struggle. He has good and bad days but the project gives him a chance to empty. If B is calm and relaxed and not agitated, he’s fine and you would never know he has dementia.

It gives you the opportunity to relax, to concentrate on what you’re doing…I love coming here, it’s great fun.

For the first time in ages I feel like I managed to switch off and lose myself. I felt really welcomed and accepted, like it was a totally safe space. I can’t tell you how much a difference it’s made to me, I’m crying as I write this, happy tears!

Everyday have been able to sustain this valuable group thanks to funding from the National Lottery. More information on their amazing work in Wigan can be found here www.everydaywigan.org.uk/