Athena Care Homes is excited to partner with local dramatherapist Ben Martin to bring a new and innovative therapy to residents of Goodwins Hall in Kings Lynn. By supporting Ben’s dramatherapy business, Athena Care Homes is not only enhancing the wellbeing of its residents but also helping a local venture to grow and succeed.
Ben, whose training includes a Master’s degree from Anglia Ruskin University, has recently started his own dramatherapy practice. While he has experience working with children, young adults, and special needs groups, his partnership with Athena Care Homes marks the first time he’s brought his skills to the older adult community.
Thanks to the support and advice from Athena, Ben is able to expand his services, starting with a pilot project at Goodwins Hall.
“This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for me to bring dramatherapy to a new audience,” says Ben. “Athena Care Homes’ support has been crucial in helping me get my business into care homes, and I’m excited to work with older people and see how this can grow.”
Athena Care Homes is committed to supporting local businesses, bringing value to residents at the same time. By collaborating with Ben, they are helping to establish a unique and client-led form of therapy that blends play, storytelling, and creativity. Dramatherapy offers an engaging and therapeutic way for residents to express themselves, connect with others, and enjoy a sense of community.
The pilot project has already seen success, with residents enthusiastically participating in dramatherapy sessions. They are now busy preparing a Christmas puppet show to showcase their creativity at the party in December, an exciting event made possible through this new collaboration.
Ben’s venture is still in its early stages, but with Athena Care Homes’ backing, there are plans to expand the initiative across more of the Athena family of homes in East Anglia. This partnership highlights Athena’s dedication not only to the wellbeing of their residents but also to strengthening the local economy by nurturing small businesses.
Ben also works with youth groups, such as the Swan Youth Project in Downham Market, but he is now looking forward to exploring how his skills can benefit older adults. With the success of the initial sessions at Goodwins Hall, he hopes to bring dramatherapy to more care homes, providing a fresh and fun way for residents to engage, express, and explore their imaginations.
Benefits of dramatherapy for care home residents
1. Enhanced social interaction: Dramatherapy encourages residents to work together, fostering a sense of community and helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
2. Emotional expression: Through role play, storytelling, and creative activities, residents can express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
3. Mental stimulation: Engaging in imaginative play, storytelling, and group discussions helps keep the mind active, improving cognitive function and memory.
4. Increased confidence and self-esteem: Taking on different characters and leading parts of a session can help residents build confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
5. Creative outlet: Dramatherapy provides a way for residents to channel their creativity, whether through puppetry, acting, or crafting stories, allowing them to explore new forms of self-expression.
6. Improved communication skills: Participating in group activities encourages residents to articulate their thoughts and feelings, improving both verbal and non-verbal communication.
7. Physical engagement: Activities involving movement, such as acting out scenes or manipulating puppets, can help residents stay physically active, which is beneficial for overall health.
8. Stress relief and relaxation: The playful and expressive nature of dramatherapy helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation, offering a therapeutic escape from daily worries.
9. Opportunity for reminiscence: Storytelling and role play can prompt residents to recall and share memories, helping to connect with their past and engage in meaningful reflection.
10. Flexibility and personalisation: Sessions can be tailored to the needs and interests of each resident, ensuring that everyone can participate at their own comfort level and pace.
By supporting Ben’s new dramatherapy business, Athena Care Homes is demonstrating how care providers can come together with others in the local community to make a positive impact.
This partnership is not just about therapy; it’s about building community connections, encouraging local enterprise, and providing residents with enriching experiences.
Athena Care Homes is proud to be at the forefront of this initiative, showing that with the right support, small businesses can thrive, and care home residents can benefit from new, exciting, and therapeutic experiences.
