RAMM’s wellbeing programme receives recognition

Activities at Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) using the museum and its objects to boost people’s wellbeing were recognised with an award from Arts & Health South West, an umbrella group promoting and supporting arts activities to benefit people’s health.

Like RAMM, Arts & Health South West believes that the arts, creativity and the imagination are agents of wellness, helping keep the individual resilient, aiding recovery and fostering a flourishing society. RAMM’s wellbeing programme uses the museum collections to help people make the most of life regardless of the challenges they face. During 2015, RAMM worked with people with dementia and their carers, people with mental health issues and people learning English or improving their literacy skills.

RAMM was one of only six West Country organisations to win Highly Commended. First prize went to the creator of an animated film about anaesthesia for children about to undergo operations and second prize to a community choir network in the Isle of Wight.

RAMM’s dementia-friendly activities are part of its public programme. There is a dementia-friendly tour of the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition ion Wednesday 22 June, 10.30 to 12.30.

On Thursday 7 July, 2 to 4pm, there is a chance to touch and talk about objects reflecting summertime, from starfish to bees, paintings and sunhats. Further sessions are planned for Thursday 4 August and Wednesday 28 September. All the activities are designed to be enjoyable for both people with dementia, who must be accompanied, and carers.

Tickets can be booked and parking spaces reserved by calling 01392 265960 or visiting RAMM’s Garden reception.