Creative Journeys Report 2019

50 Creative Journeys that again the group work encouraged interaction that was inclusive of everyone; it was easy to participate. Being in a group was important for residents; one for example commented that he wouldn’t like to sing on his own but in a group he enjoyed it. In the survey some respondents also commented on the particular value of getting involved with music and singing as a group, and in the stage two interviews some participants described how structured group arts activities triggered conversations that would not otherwise have happened. …they interacted really, really well with each other, which created a fantastic group dynamic. The best kind of group sessions are always when the group take off…that camaraderie. (Stage one arts facilitator) …it was like a fresh initiative that we’ve not done before…I saw how it affected people’s relationships when they were talking about the music or the way they’d been encouraged to be involved in the discussions about lyrics and songs or what the actual programme would involve. For me it was really interesting to see that actually it brought in some conversation to people’s days…this was a structured conversation... (Stage one activities coordinator) Well, it was the greeting one another, so you knew who you were sitting next to. Whereas, perhaps normally, you wouldn’t have known who they were. (Stage one resident) As discussed in the section on relationships between residents, there were some challenges for effective and inclusive group work. For example, smaller groups worked best in order to facilitate a better quality experience for the residents who participated and for promoting relationships, but this excluded many other residents in the home and raised questions around who was invited to participate. Though there was potential and in some cases intentions for arts facilitators to provide some activities that reached all residents in the home, and indeed some benefits such as a more relaxed atmosphere that spread to other residents; further planning and effort would be needed to ensure this happened consistently. Overall, participatory group work brings people together and gives residents a purpose. Specific activities engage residents and provided a structured opportunity for interaction so that they worked together, but also had fun whilst doing so. Residents were able to participate to the extent that they were able and felt comfortable with, which made participation more inclusive. The next section considers the approach of the facilitator in delivering participatory group work using the arts. 4.6.2 Approach of the facilitator This mediating factor refers specifically to the approach taken by the person or persons facilitating the participatory arts activities. Here, this term refers to a professional arts facilitator (as was the focus in stage one), but it is recognised that activities coordinators in care homes, as well as care staff members, volunteers, relatives and others can and do deliver arts activities for residents (as explored in stage two). Arts facilitators are distinct from art, dance, drama or music therapists because their focus is on the artistic process rather than psychotherapeutic outcomes. Arts facilitators are also distinct from activities coordinators in the care setting because arts facilitators working with