Every week, the residents of Ashlynn Grange care home in Peterborough eagerly anticipate the arrival of Jenni Tilbrook and her vibrant Creative Mojo arts and crafts sessions. Once a month, she also brings her creativity to Aria Court in March, ensuring that residents have the chance to experience the fun and benefits of artistic expression.
Jenni’s regular visits allow her to build strong relationships with our residents, making each session both engaging and meaningful. It’s not just about the art; it’s about the experience—trying something new, socialising, and having fun. For example, during a recent session, residents created mosaic coasters, an activity that helped with dexterity and colour recognition but, more importantly, brought a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.
Creative Mojo is a franchise, and Jenni is the franchisee for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. She runs her sessions personally, and employs an assistant who aids in preparation. Her work takes her not only to care homes for the elderly but also to learning disability homes and even private clients.
Interestingly, Jenni wasn’t always in the arts. She previously worked as an accountant but always had a creative streak. “I often used to wake up and wonder if I really wanted to go to work,” she reflects. “Now, I love my job and am always ready to get up and out in the mornings.”
Running Creative Mojo sessions takes a lot of preparation. Jenni has countless boxes—and even entire rooms—filled with materials at her home. Each evening, she carefully plans what to bring for the next day, ensuring that everything needed for the chosen activity is packed in just the right amount of boxes for her to move about easily and ready to go.
Creative Mojo art sessions use pre-cut card shapes to help with design and painting and that is what makes it very accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic ability said Jenni.
More Than Just Art
For Jenni and the residents, these sessions go beyond simply making art. While expressing oneself through creativity is important, the real magic lies in the social connections formed around the table. Residents chat, share stories, and immerse themselves in the moment.
Sometimes, the projects involve group efforts, like a recent St. Patrick’s Day wall poster, which encouraged conversation and teamwork. The themes are always seasonal or topical, sparking memories and discussions that enrich the experience.
Thanks to Jenni, Creative Mojo isn’t just about crafts—it’s about bringing joy, connection, and a little bit of artistic magic to our care homes.
Here are some key reasons why arts and crafts activities are important in care homes:
1. Cognitive stimulation – Engaging in creative activities helps maintain brain function, memory, and problem-solving skills.
2. Emotional wellbeing – Art provides a means of self-expression, which can improve mood.
3. Social interaction – Group activities foster friendships and reduce social isolation among residents.
4. Fine motor skills – Activities like painting, knitting, or sculpting help maintain hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
5. Sense of purpose – Creating something tangible gives residents a sense of achievement and fulfilment.
6. Stress and anxiety reduction – Engaging in arts and crafts can be relaxing and therapeutic, helping to lower stress levels.
7. Reminiscence therapy – Crafting can evoke memories, encouraging residents to share stories and recall past experiences.
8. Encouraging creativity – Expressing creativity can boost confidence and provide an enjoyable pastime.
9. Physical benefits – Certain activities, like pottery or beadwork, promote gentle movement, which can aid in joint flexibility.
10. Personalised Environment – Residents can decorate their space with their artwork, making their living environment feel homely and comforting.
