Hearth – Art for Older People at home

Hearth is a project that brings art into the homes of older people who are isolated geographically or restricted for other reasons by supplying a skilled artist who is experienced in working with older people and those with special needs, who travels to the home of the older person weekly and facilitates a one to one workshop there. The target audience is Older People who are isolated geographically or because of a disability. The biggest achievement is in hearing participants speak about the light and positivity it has brought to their quite and often lonely days. They discover their own creativity in the safety of their own homes. How it Works: 1.The artist /facilitator visits each participant weekly These facilitators have been specially trained through mentoring projects over many years. They are experienced in working with older people and with those with disabilities. The work is specialised and so the artist/facilitators are chosen with great care. 2. Quality art materials and other equipment required are supplied to each participant. 3. There is ongoing Management and Administration of project. The Hearth Project originated in Co Mayo in 2009 and it has been managed and Coordinated by Breda Mayock and Deirdre Walsh since then. There are regular meetings with the artists/facilitators and with the Public Health teams in the areas where Hearth is operating. 4. Art Exhibitions/Events are organised to bring participants together and to show case the art work.