Cognitive therapy at Forres Town Hall
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COMMUNITY sessions aimed at keeping the brain fit have been given a boost.
Sharon Finlay of Active Minds Moray, who offers activities including singing, crafts, seated exercise and games at local care homes and halls, has invested £700 from the Auchernack Trust Fund in equipment for her attendees.
She said: "The activities are cognitive therapy, which is like keep fit for the brain. The Auchernack funding has been of real benefit. I previously paid for the required materials myself, so it is much appreciated and has made a real difference to our group."
The money helped pay for printing large lyrics cards for singing sessions and more with famous faces from previous decades which also stimulate memories and conversation.
Sharon also bought clipboards and embroidery hoops for quizzes and art therapy, as well as classic movies that attendees had requested to watch.
She said: "My background is in nurseries but I've been self-employed for the last two years, responding to the needs of carers. With Forres Area Community Trust (FACT), I provide gentle seated exercises as well as craft sessions at Forres Town Hall. I've had good feedback and the doctors’ surgery is now referring patients who are socially isolated to my sessions."
FACT older person's project co-ordinator Kirsty Williams confirmed Sharon delivers activities for befriending scheme, The Cameron Project.
She said: "Every Tuesday, apart from the first Tuesday of the month, we have gentle seated exercises from 10.30am to noon. Sharon does these exercises to music and uses scarves to increase mobility and strength. A couple of the ladies who attend affectionately call it 'torture Tuesday'! There's a chance for a cuppa and a blether with a Cameron Project volunteer afterwards."
She added: "We also hold monthly activities such as musical bingo. The activities held every month are led by the wishes of those who attend, for example, a couple of months ago we had an afternoon of knitting and crocheting, which was so popular we are holding it again on the September 12 from 2-4pm."
