Participants of ARC Stockton’s Staying Out programme will be joining in with the frivolities of a retro-inspired music hall experience on Wednesday 27 September.
The creative bunch is made up of people aged over 65 from the local area who have been recently discharged from hospital or are at risk of isolation.
The event came about after the group spent sessions reminiscing about various music halls they had visited in their youth, which resulted in the idea of putting on a special event to echo their memories.
Festivities will include music hall inspired entertainment including a number of sing alongs, and they can also look forward to some circus tricks and admire their own handiwork of hats and bonnets as well as paintings which will adorn the walls.
Nikki Greenwood, ARC’s Older Person’s Programme Co-Ordinator has helped organise the event and said: “The group have been working on this for weeks now and are really looking forward to seeing how everything will come together, from the beautiful decorations and paintings they have created, to some great entertainment. We’re expecting lots of laughs and we hope it will create more memories to cherish.
“Staying Out enables people to come out for a few hours and just relax and recharge in a safe and welcoming environment which encourages creativity. No matter what else is going on in their lives, they can take part in a few arts based activities and it can really help boost their confidence and self-esteem, so we are delighted to be able to put on an event which they have helped to create.”
The Staying Out group gather each Wednesday to have a catch up over tea and biscuits and take part in activities such as painting, drawing and needlework. Throughout the year there is also the opportunity to work on larger projects or take in a film at ARC’s cinema.
To find out more about Staying Out and the referal process contact Nikki Greenwood on 01642 525183.