Rambert, based at South Bank has received a grant of over £100,000 to extend its outreach work to elderly residents.
The grant for Rambert, which was awarded by the City of London Corporation’s charity, City Bridge Trust, will support Londoners who are living with dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. By offering them with regular dance activity and engagement with the arts, the aim of Rambert is to boost the quality of life of older residents.
The charity, which already has a strong track record working with young people, will use the three year grant to boost opportunities for older participants to attend dance performances at a low or no cost.
In addition, the dancing professionals will receive specialist training so that they have the requisite skills to work with vulnerable adults. As well as enjoying performances, participants will have the chance to take part in dance sessions. These sessions will also be tailored for elderly patients recovering from serious illness and hospital treatment.
Joce Giles, Director of Creative Projects at Rambert, said: “We are delighted to receive the grant from City Bridge Trust. The funding will establish Rambert as a major provider of dance for older adults in London and will raise the profile of the positive impact that dance can have on older people’s lives. Evidence has shown that dance can significantly improve the health and well-being of older adults, and we are excited about expanding our work in this area.
“At our South Bank studios, we will develop regular classes for people with Parkinson’s Disease, as well as sessions for people in the early stages of dementia. The grant will also enable Rambert to deliver an extensive outreach programme across London in partnership with other organisations including Chelsea and Westminster Health Charity, Hounslow Seniors Trust, and the Stones End Day Centre in Southwark.”
Jeremy Mayhew, Chairman of City Bridge Trust, said: “With the elderly population growing in London, it is important that there is the provision to support people in their old age. Keeping active both mentally and physically helps improve people’s quality of life and longevity. With our grant, I am confident that Rambert will be able to work with many more elderly residents in the area, introducing them to the joys of performing and group activities.”
For more information visit http://www.rambert.org.uk/
