THE FUTURE IN PROSPECT

All our programmes to date have successfully incorporated multiple arts forms as the vehicles of interactive learning for the frailest and most vulnerable older people in the Fourth Age of their lives. External evaluations were commissioned and carried out on all major programmes undertaken by First Taste. Internal evaluations, observations and reports are a set procedure and on-going.  All evaluations have a number of common themes, perhaps the most important of which is the need for care staff to be integrally involved with residents in all the programme sessions and to fully appreciate the benefits of care staff involvement in all aspects of stimulating and holistic care for the elderly: not just health care. 

To this end First Taste is now aiming thoughts, programmes & skills into training programmes designed for delivery to care staff in care/nursing homes & day centres. The ultimate outcome will be (with quality stimulation) to enhance the well being of residents in the 4th stage of their lives.  Hence the P.A.C.T. programme & Care Staff Training Programme, for, & funded by, Derbyshire County Council. ( see Current Programmes)


As managers of care establishments heed this advice, residents will feel less isolated and more valued as people; care staff  will build confidence and esteem and acquire new skills; and managers will benefit from the opportunity of having their staff trained in-house at low cost.

We are giving care staff  the opportunity to: make a subtle return to, or continuance of, education, aid training in the arts & crafts, and expand knowledge of holistic care.

PACT - We are now building on past programmes, using knowledge gleaned to continue to encourage care staff to participate in further learning and to develop their creative skills to enhance the quality of care for older people.

The development of I.T. skills has been addressed as well as introducing schools & pupils to the idea of intergenerational sessions in care homes – including one which is a registered Dementia only home.

First Taste has commissioned the making of a DVD "Where'ere You Walk."   It will be a film both to stimulate and soothe, especially for use with those in care settings suffering from dementia and to assist with the training of homes and day care centre's activities organisers and care staff. 

The film will be shot over the four seasons of the coming year and will feature a range of footage covering the natural world, well known locations, domestic and workplace scenes, archival film footage with well known music and readings by former Blue Peter Presenter Simon Groom plus well known poetry and prose.  The film is being shot and produced by Jan & Dave Scott and Doug Smith and hopefully will be launched at First Taste's Conference at the Joseph Whitworth Centre, Darley Dale on 20 April, 2012. 

The film is being funded from grants from First Taste's Cole / Davison Legacy; National Lottery Awards for All; Derbyshire Dales District Council Arts Development Fund; Derbyshire Community Foundation;Arkwright Lodge & Grand Provincial Lodge of Derbyshire Freemasons.


A further CD of chairbased exercises specifically for use with those with dementia entitled "Even More Music to Move" is being produced which will be launched at First Taste's Conference on 20 April 2012.