Brentwood Theatre has been the home of a dementia support initiative developed by Brentwood Borough Council in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society and leading arts organisations, including Age Exchange, Green Candle Dance, Orchestras Live and Sinfonia Viva Orchestra.
Since its launch last autumn, the Good Company project has delivered 200 hours of innovative creative activity. It has supported 100 individuals living with dementia and their family carers through reminiscence theatre, orchestral music, song and dance, exploring participants’ identities and celebrating their unique histories. The programme has profoundly impacted those involved, fostering empowerment, improved self-worth, and enhanced physical and mental health. Participants have described moments of joy, vitality and connection.
One participant living with dementia shared, “The whole thing is brilliant. It has been great doing the dancing even though it was difficult for my legs, but the music and the people made it easier. It gave me new life and I thought, ‘I am dancing, and I can’t believe it!’”
Another participant, a family carer, added, “These have been the best days of our weeks. I’ve never seen Mum so happy. She’s gained so much from this experience, and so have I. Some mornings are tough, but as soon as we arrive, it all fades away. I can see a difference in Mum. Coming here makes me feel like I have a life again.”
Councillor Dr Tim Barrett, Chair of Brentwood Borough Council’s Housing, Health & Community Committee, said: “Good Company exemplifies how creativity can transform lives. This project has brought joy, relief and connection to those living with dementia and their carers. It’s inspiring to see how the arts can create such meaningful and lasting change in people’s lives.”
Stuart Bruce, Senior Creative Producer at Orchestras Live, reflected on the initiative’s legacy: “Since the start of Good Company last year, we have witnessed an extraordinary partnership between older participants and a diverse team of artists. This inclusive model has celebrated creativity and lived experiences, leaving a profound impact on the participants. We are excited about taking this evolving model to other parts of Essex.”
Although the main programme has concluded, participants can continue engaging through a ‘graduates’ group’ led by Dance Network Association, which meets weekly at Brentwood Theatre.
The project’s success is thanks to the support of Essex County Council, the Brentwood Health and Wellbeing Board, the Better Care Fund, the Brentwood and Basildon Health Inequalities Fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and generous local donors, including Merrymeade Tea Rooms.