Circle Dance Project | Dementia Pathfinders

CIRCLE DANCE FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA PROJECT

Dementia Pathfinders is pleased to announce that we have received a National Lottery Awards for All grant to expand our Circle Dance for People Living with Dementia. This funding, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, will support the development of circle dance for the dementia community, both in care homes and community settings.

Circle dance offers a unique and valuable dimension to dementia support. It helps build relationships within the dementia community and with family members by improving communication and reducing potential isolation. Circle dance can also forge a sense of identity and belonging, helping people cope with personal, social, and environmental change.

The grant will enable Dementia Pathfinders to develop circle dance nationwide for the medium to long-term by:

●    Building a skills development programme for practitioners.
●    Establishing a networked approach to sharing best practices and insights.
●    Strengthening resources and resilience for individuals.
●    Evaluating the benefits of this innovative approach.

For more information about Circle Dance, please visit our Circle Dance for People Living with Dementia training page.

Train the Trainer Program
As part of our ongoing efforts to expand the reach of Circle Dance for people living with dementia, we are excited to offer a Train the Trainer program. This training will be free of charge and is designed for those who are already familiar with circle dance and wish to become trainers themselves, enabling them to share this valuable practice with others.

The Train the Trainer sessions will be held at various points throughout the year. Specific dates will be shared in advance, allowing participants to plan accordingly. Liv McLennan, an experienced practitioner in circle dance and dementia care, will deliver the training. Liv brings a wealth of expertise in both the art of circle dance and the unique needs of people living with dementia.

To be eligible for this training, participants must meet the following criteria:

Completion of Circle Dance Training
Completion of Dementia Awareness Training
Active experience practicing circle dance with people living with dementia

This ensures that all participants have the necessary background and hands-on experience to successfully become trainers themselves, spreading the benefits of circle dance to more individuals and communities across the country.

For further information on our Train the Trainer programme please contact info@dementiapathfinders.org

Steering Group
A steering group will be formed, consisting of a psychotherapist, circle dance practitioner, and dance therapist. This group will provide strategic oversight, guide the development of the Circle Dance program, and ensure effective coordination, maintaining best practices throughout the initiative.