(Pictured Patrick Jones, Photo courtesy of Glenn Dene)
Renowned poet, author and playwright Patrick Jones is embarking on a highly anticipated project which will highlight the experiences of those living with Dementia across Wales.
The project #ThisIsMyTruthTellMeYours, part of his artistic residency at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales, sees Jones deliver a series of creative writing workshops with groups of people living with dementia. The workshops, in tandem with a campaign that looks to gather artistic contributions from the Welsh public will culminate in a series of spoken word features, monologues and cycles of song. This work, reflective of the workshops and contributions, will be performed and featured by a number of musicians and artists and exhibited across Wales.
On the launch of the project Jones, said:
“It’s a really exciting and important project. At this stage, we’re looking for people’s thoughts, reflections, aspirations – they can be in the form of poems, shorts stories, any format really. We’re looking for contributions from the public to ensure this work is truly reflective of people’s experiences.
Everyone who has experience of living with or supporting someone with dementia is invited and encouraged to contribute their stories via the project website, and it’s hoped the creative writing workshop program will be expanded throughout networks across Wales in the near future.
Art for Health
Patrick Jones has a rich history of involvement with arts and health projects, having most recently worked with The Forget Me Not Chorus, whose members are individuals living with Dementia, on the ‘My Song My Story’ project.
Jones said:
“It’s fantastic to be able to transfer what I know and what I’ve learned in forming this new project. My personal work into dementia has been one of the most moving and life-affirming moments of my life.
Ollie John, Manager of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales said:
“It’s a really exciting project, the impact of the arts on peoples well being is clear and Patrick’s passion is inspiring. It’ll be fantastic to capture the experiences of people living with dementia in this innovative project and I would really encourage people to get involved in any way they can.”
The pre-arranged #ThisIsMyTruthTellMeYours workshops are taking place throughout February in Barmouth, Cowbridge, Chepstow and Burry Port. If you would like to contribute to the project, or would like any further information, then go to www.thisismytruthtellmeyours.co.uk for details
