You are warmly invited to join the inspiring folk of Deepness Dementia for an afternoon at the Macphail Centre. Deepness Dementia are based on the Isle of Lewis, and are visiting Ullapool on their way to the Scottish Dementia Arts Festival 2024.

The afternoon will have two parts: a two-act play written by Ron Coleman about living creatively with dementia, followed by an informal workshop on how the arts can be helpful in living well with cognitive impairment.  Full details are below.

The event will take place in the Lochbroom and Assynt Rooms in the Macphail Centre. This will be a relaxed event and tea and cake will be served.

It is open to everyone, whether you have direct experience of living with dementia yourself, are a carer or family member or are just interested. The afternoon will explore ways of living well, coping with change, and the special value of the arts.

Tickets £3 concessions, £8 standard adult ticket. 

Please book online if you can, as places are limited. Unsold tickets will also be available at the door.  Doors will open at 1.45pm; please be seated by 2pm for the play.

Details of the event:

Part 1 / Caught in this Moment of Time: a play by Ron Coleman, 2 to 3.30pm

Cast: Ian Bustard, Francesca Taylor Coleman, Shona Smith

The play explores one person’s attempts to use Alexa (artificial intelligence) to retain their independence despite having dementia. The play is based on the author’s own experience – including both humour and sadness. Set in one room, it is threaded with song, poetry and dance which enable the audience to share Ron’s journey. After the play there will be a chance to discuss the issues raised with the writer and cast.

Part 2 / Unlocking creativity: a workshop led by Karen Taylor and Ron Coleman, approx 3.30 to 5pm

Art stimulates the brain and encourages creative thinking. Engaging in artistic activities can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

You are invited to join us to explore interventions based on the arts that can and do make a difference to living with cognitive impairment. You will be free to share your own experiences and insights in a supportive environment. Tea and cake will be served, and you will be free to come and go if needed.

Who are Deepness Dementia?

Deepness Dementia was established by Ron Coleman and Karen Taylor to enable people living with dementia to come together and be inspired by each other.

Ron Coleman is a writer and poet who has a diagnosis of Vascular Dementia. Since his diagnosis Ron has written a great deal of poetry, much of it dark and sometimes bitter and always about his dementia. He has also written two plays: Caught in this Moment of Time, and Dementia the Musical.

Karen Taylor is a care partner (to Ron) and is a trainer with an international reputation for delivering high quality recovery training from mental health problems. Karen also acts, writes and is a jazz singer. Karen and Ron have been together for 27 years both as a couple and as trainers.

‘Deepness Dementia is a place where you can join a community based around living well with dementia. We create a community in which everybody – from the cognitively impaired to family members to care workers to educators – can connect with each other. Instead of seeking to provide a panacea, our goal is to give people the tools to love autonomously and enjoy life as much as possible: through our radio station, online education courses, arts and theatre. We provide a place in which people can be active and stimulated.’

For more information about Deepness Dementia, see deepnessdementiamedia.com

Doors will open at 1.45pm; please be seated by 2pm for the play.