by Caroline Barnes
We are thrilled to announce Navigating Margaret 2024 Rehearsed Readings, a summer initiative funded by Arts Council England and the Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire Fund. This exciting project will see the development of a brand-new dementia awareness play, Navigating Margaret, ahead of a full-scale tour in Autumn 2025.
A Story of Resilience and Awareness
Navigating Margaret is a powerful and moving theatrical production inspired by real-life experiences. Based on stories gathered from Arts Uplift’s successful Suitcase Stories project, the play delves into the journey of a Worcestershire woman living with Alzheimer’s dementia, exploring its impact on both her and her family.
The story unfolds uniquely, weaving together Margaret’s remarkable past as one of Worcestershire’s first female pilots with her present-day struggles. With a touch of fairy-tale magic, the play uses text, movement, and music to create a captivating blend of realism and abstraction. Four talented actors will bring the story to life, raising crucial awareness about dementia, a condition affecting 1 in 14 adults over 65.
Jenny Davis, Executive Director of Arts Uplift, says, “We are thrilled to be bringing this rehearsed reading of the play to Coventry and Warwickshire after such an overwhelmingly wonderful response to the play last time in Malvern, with an addition this time of some informative dementia awareness training. We are bringing some new actors into the company, which is exciting, and they have a challenge ahead of them playing multiple characters. We look forward to hearing people’s feedback and weaving this into the next stage.”
The four actors in Navigating Margaret
Be Part of the Development Process!
Join Arts Uplift for the Navigating Margaret 2024 Rehearsed Readings taking place at:
- 11am on 12th July at St Peter’s Apostle Church, Leamington Spa (a BSL performance)
- 15th July at St Paul’s Church, Foleshill, Coventry
- 18th July at Griff and Coton Sports & Miners Welfare, Nuneaton
These free rehearsed readings offer a unique opportunity to experience the play in its early stages. Four actors will perform a script-in-hand version with props, costumes, and music. Your feedback is invaluable! Following the reading, there will be a 30-minute session to share your thoughts and help shape the final production.
Deepen Your Understanding with Interactive Training
Following the morning session, Arts Uplift invites you to an optional dementia awareness training workshop from 2.30 to 4.30 pm. This free, two-hour interactive session is inspired by forum theatre practices, where audience participation actively influences the performance. Through excerpts from the show, discussions, and engaging activities, the workshop will provide practical tools and a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
The training is perfect for:
- Carers and loved ones of people living with dementia
- Care staff
- Individuals interested in learning more about dementia
- People with early-stage dementia seeking an interactive learning experience
The rehearsed reading is two hours long with an intermission and feedback session. All venues are fully accessible.
Space for the dementia awareness training is limited to 3 participants per session. To book your spot or inquire about larger group bookings, please contact info@artsuplift.co.uk.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a vital conversation and witness the development of a powerful new play!
For more information and booking, visit: https://www.artsuplift.co.uk/navigating-margaret-the-tour/
Further Information: please reach out to Jenny at jenny@artsuplift.co.uk or call 07946 585978.
by Arts Uplift
COFFEE CONCERT FUNDRAISER FOR ARTS AND DEMENTIA
Join us for an interactive afternoon of classical and popular music from our wonderful musicians!
Sunday 3rd March, 3-5 PM
All Saints Parish Church, Priory Terrace, Leamington Spa CV31 1A
What will the afternoon involve?
Enjoy a range of refreshments whilst enjoying interactive performances from talents Martin Riley (piano), Jiafeng Chen (violin) and Claire Fowler (Singing). The programme includes an improvised piano piece, a brief history of music through the centuries, a sing along to songs such as ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’, John Williams – Tango Por Una Cabeza (Scent of a Woman) and Massenet – Thais Meditation plus more!
Find out more about the artists
MARTIN
CLAIRE
JIAFENG
Tickets are £15 plus £1.22 booking fee and will include a refreshment/snacks on arrival and further drinks can be purchased should you please! Tickets on the door are £17 plus booking fee if they have not sold out! Check our socials for updates! Tickets are non-refundable.
We will also have a fab raffle which includes prizes from Warwickshire Gin Company,The Royal Pug, Green and Wild Flowers, The Larder Tearooms/ The Avery, Health First foot and gait clinic and Golden Monkey Tea Company.
By coming along to our fundraiser you’ll be supporting the development and tour of our recent production, ‘Navigating Margaret’ and accompanying workshops. This compelling theatre piece, inspired by real-life stories from our Suitcase Stories project, focuses on the journey of a Worcestershire woman living with dementia. View the trailer for our dementia awareness play ‘Navigating Margaret’ by scanning the QR code below.
Currently, there are 6,500 people in Coventry and Warwickshire diagnosed with dementia and 11,700 estimated to be living with dementia and this is set to rise over the coming years.
If you can’t support us by attending please donate and support us in raising awareness of Dementia by clicking the link below!
BUY TICKETS OR DONATE https://linktr.ee/artsuplift
Cancellation- if we need to cancel the event we can refund the ticket minus the booking fee
by Arts Uplift
ARTS & FIZZ EVENING
FUNDRAISER FOR ARTS AND DEMENTIA
Join us for an evening of painting led by our wonderful artist Jess & enjoy a glass of fizz!
Thursday 29th February 7-9 PM
All Saints Parish Church, Priory Terrace, Leamington Spa CV31 1AA
What will the evening involve?
Paint along with our artist, Jessica Hartshorn, to create this contemporary landscape artwork on canvas board. Following step-by-step instructions using acrylic paint to create a masterpiece like the one below! Tickets are £25 + £2.80 booking fees and include a drink on arrival as well as some snacks. Further drinks can be purchased should you please! There is the possibility to buy tickets at the door for £29 if they have not sold out! Check our socials for updates! Tickets are non-refundable.
We will also have a fab raffle which includes prizes from Warwickshire Gin Company,The Royal Pug, Green and Wild Flowers, The Larder Tearooms/ The Avery, Health First foot and gait clinic and Golden Monkey Tea Company.
By coming along to our fundraiser you’ll be supporting the development and tour of our recent production, ‘Navigating Margaret.’ This compelling theatre piece, inspired by real-life stories from our Suitcase Stories project , focuses on the journey of a Worcestershire woman living with dementia. View the trailer for our dementia awareness play ‘Navigating Margaret’ by scanning the QR code below.
Currently, there are 6,500 people in Coventry and Warwickshire diagnosed with dementia and 11,700 estimated to be living with dementia and this is set to rise over the coming years.
Our goal this summer is to develop the script, engage professional actors for a rehearsed reading at St Peter Apostle church hall, Leamington Spa, in Coventry and Nuneaton and provide a training session for individuals supporting those living with dementia.
Find out more about our artist Jess HERE
If you can’t make it, we’ll be also holding a Coffee Concert at All Saints Parish Church on Sunday 3rd March between 3-5pm for £20 plus booking fee. There will be coffee,tea and cake accompanied by interactive performances from Martin Riley (piano), Jiafeng Chen (violin) and Claire Fowler (singing leader).
If you can’t support us by attending, please DONATE and support us in raising awareness of Dementia by going to the link below
BOOK TICKETS www.linktr.ee/artsuplift
Cancellation- if we need to cancel the event we can refund the ticket minus the booking fee
by Caroline Barnes
Our creative wellbeing courses are designed to help adults find ways of managing stress and improving mental-wellbeing. In a supportive group setting, you’ll learn to express your feelings and thoughts through music, singing and creative writing.
The courses are delivered in partnership with the Recovery and Wellbeing Academy
Check out our new video below and find out how our 2024 course participants benefited from our courses.
Singing for wellbeing
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Singing for Well-Being is suitable for people looking to find coping strategies and improve mental well-being. Life Church, Charlotte St, Leamington Spa CV31 3EB
Tuesdays 7pm to 8.30pm
12 May, 16 June, 14 July, 25 August 2026
Led by experienced choir leader Claire Fowler. These small group sessions will help to boost your mood as you sing to familiar songs together. This choir is suitable for beginners and you don’t need to be a brilliant singer just the willingness to have a go!
There is lots of evidence that singing together can help with low mood, anxiety and depression.
What you can expect to learn:
- Gain a better understanding of how singing can benefit your well-being.
- Feel more confident about singing in a group and learn breathing and singing techniques to help you.
- Meet new people and have peer to peer support.
Singing for wellbeing is aimed at adults across Warwickshire & Coventry looking to find creative coping strategies that can improve mental wellbeing.
BOOK NOW
For further information email info@artsuplift.co.uk or call on 01926 504 212
Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund and Leamington Town Council |
Singing for wellbeing tutor Claire Fowler |
Creative Writing for Wellbeing
Join our FREE online adult creative writing workshops led by Tristan Jackson-Pate. Discover your voice, craft compelling stories, and connect with others in a supportive community. Open to Coventry and Warwickshire residents who are looking to find coping strategies and improve mental well-being.
Mondays 7-8.30pm online via Zoom
Course 1: (Via Zoom) 20 May, 17 June, 8 July, 19 August 2026
This creative writing group, led by writer and theatre maker Tristan Jackson-Pate alongside an Arts Uplift volunteer will focus on the ways we craft stories, in a relaxed online group setting. Participants can access the exercises in a variety of ways and enjoy the support of the group as they develop their ideas. Though sessions will primarily look at dramatic writing for theatre or film, the exercises and discussions had will be relevant to all forms of storytelling, whether you want to write a novel, or a poetry collection. We will cover:
- Where stories come from
- Story structure
- Character creation
- Finding the meaning
- Exploring form
- Plotting
- Redrafting
And of course, how not to become blocked in your creativity! The aim is to provide chances to learn, create, and collaborate, in an inclusive, no pressure environment.
What you can expect to learn:
- A better understanding about how creative writing can benefit your well-being.
- More confidence about creative writing and different techniques that can be used to improve your well-being
- Meet new people and have peer to peer support
BOOK NOW
For further information email Beth info@artsuplift.co.uk or call Beth on 01926 504 212
View our students previous work
The inside stories creative writing group has just released an exciting new eBook featuring a vibrant collection of poems and stories from our course participants, representing a rich diversity of backgrounds and heritages. Download your copy today to experience the captivating power of their words and perspectives.
Inside Stories Anthology – eBook Download now
Previous creative writing from past courses are HERE 2023 and HERE 2024
Mindful Photography- NEW!
Slow down. Look closer. See differently.
Step away from the rush of everyday life and discover a calmer, more creative way of seeing the world.
This relaxed, in-person course (1.5 hours per week) blends simple photography with mindfulness techniques to help you switch off, focus your mind, and reconnect with your surroundings. No fancy kit or experience needed—just bring your phone or camera and a willingness to pause and notice.
Each session offers guided exercises, creative prompts, and gentle group reflection, helping you capture meaningful moments rather than perfect pictures. We will have a small showcase of our favourite pictures at the end of the course.
Perfect for you if you want to:
- Reduce stress and clear your head
- Get creative without pressure
- Enjoy time outdoors and in the moment
- Build confidence in your photography
Come as you are. Leave feeling calmer, inspired, and more connected to the world around you.
No experience needed. Just your curiosity.
Mondays 11 May to 6 July 7-8.30pm (no session 25 May)
The Benn Partnership,Railway Terrace, Rugby CV21 3HR
Funded by The National Lottery and Rugby Benevolent Fund.
BOOK HERE
Song Writing for Wellbeing
Discover the power of song writing to enhance your wellbeing. Join experienced musician Martin Riley for these FREE songwriting workshops designed to help adults find creative ways of managing stress and improving mental-wellbeing.
COURSE DETAILS
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Course Tutor Martin Riley Arts Uplift Volunteer |
by Arts Uplift
Training for Activity Co-Ordinators and people working in care with older people and people living with dementia in delivering amazing arts and crafts, singing, movement to music and creative writing sessions.
The next training will be in singing with Armonico Consort on 18th of March at Leycester House Care Home in Warwick, costs £74 per person. Tickets are non-refundable.
by Arts Uplift
Free Movement, Music and Memories sessions in Kenilworth for older people with memory issues and their loved ones and wellbeing arts activities for Refugees in partnership with Warwickshire Libraries and Compassionate Kenilworth.
Arts Uplift brought a brand new intergenerational FREE arts project to Kenilworth in July 2023 to February 2024 thanks to funding from Comic Relief, Warwick District Council and Kenilworth Town Council.
First to get going was the older people’s Movement to Music sessions which involved simple stretching exercises to catchy well known songs and music, gently guided by experienced dancer Kath Kimber-McTiffen, with plenty of time for tea and chat. Participants did not need a diagnosis to take part, and those with limited mobility remained seated if they preferred.
“Kath is brilliant. She chose a great range of songs and made us feel so welcome. Before we knew it we were all joining in. It was great fun.” Participant
“They enjoy the exercise especially as its dance, so it doesn’t feel like exercise, they like the music, being together and being able to connect with each other over the tea break. I hear lots of sharing of things that might help / support / other groups etc.” dance artist, Kath
Dates and times: Fridays from 11.00am – 12.30pm
Place: Kenilworth Library, 11 Smalley Place, Kenilworth CV8 1QG
As well as being a lot of fun, participation in the arts can support mental well-being, improve brain function and physical coordination, as well as being a great way to make friends.
Refugee group
We worked with refugee families and young adults from Kenilworth on a visual arts and crafts project with Sioda from Earthbound at the Kenilworth Centre using a variety of mediums such as painting, collage and light.
“My observations are that for the participants (adult women in particular) this has been their only social event in the week. It’s a time when they can be out of their usual environment at the hotel and feel part of something. There is always plenty of chatter and smiles and they do really get so much out of meeting weekly. For some, painting and doing crafts is new to them and those who have been there from the start have grown in confidence and happiness. Some of the women are here alone without family and often stay in their room at the hotel. This has given them a social life and I would say some hope for their future life here in Kenilworth or elsewhere in the Uk. It’s the same for the young people, a chance to go somewhere else out of school and out of the hotel to feel part of a community.” visual artist, Sioda
“It’s very important for us because it reduces our stress and forget about our stress. It teaches us how to paint about the environment and to play with each other. It makes me happy.” participant
The older people and refugees as well as doing their own workshops exchanged artwork and photos of themselves and explored the theme of Celebrations. They also met in person and shared their exhibition and also participated in dance and movement over some refreshments. They shared stories about their lives. It was a wonderful occasion.
Watch the documentary film by Earth Bound HERE
