Elderly helped by music and art

The artists provide the materials for the residents to use

A scheme to involve elderly people in care homes in activities like painting, pottery and making music is improving their health, organisers say.

The project was intended to improve residents' mental health and lessen feelings of isolation when it started in Hampshire's residential homes.

Interactive music, arts and crafts workshops tour the county's 26 homes.

Now nearly 80% of them say their residents are experiencing increased wellbeing and mental health.

The real proof is evident in the smiles on residents' faces Cllr Felicity Hindson

A recent government document recommended that councils think "over and above" traditional care services when considering the well-being of older people.

The sessions are often taken by professional artists who provide the materials and techniques for the residents to produce artworks they can keep.

It is an £80,000 joint project between the social services and recreation and heritage departments

Social care cabinet member Councilllor Felicity Hindson said the project was designed to improve health and promote active lives for the residents.

"The research we have carried out in our homes certainly confirms what I have seen for myself when visiting some of these sessions - and the real proof is evident in the smiles on residents' faces."

Recreation and Heritage cabinet member, Cllr John Waddington, said the sessions bring art to those who may not be able to get out to traditional arts venues.