The Dot Collective provides accessible, professional theatre and creative activities for those living in care and with dementia. Their aim is to help reduce loneliness and social isolation, offering cognitive stimulation while at the same time uniting families and carers in a joyful and positive experience.
Thanks to a recent grant awarded by the Foundation, The Dot Collective brought two productions (a Christmas performance and another in the summer) to care homes and dementia groups in Bexhill, Hastings and Eastbourne.
Case study
A story from a beneficiary as told by a member of staff at the Dot Collective:
"At one of the care homes we performed at, we met a lady who was visiting her mum who suffered from dementia and had just moved in the week before. She told us that her mum used to be a drama teacher and an actress when she was younger. The mum seemed a little stressed before the show, but as the show went on she started to look more engaged, laughing and enjoying the performance with everyone else in the room. After the show, her daughter privately came to thank us.
She said: ‘It's been a really unpleasant time for all of us, with little joy. But today for the first time in ages my mum seemed like herself, more relaxed, and I was able to enjoy the time I spent with her. I just want to thank you for creating a morning of joy. My mum now has forgotten she doesn't like it here, and if the days can be filled with activities like yours, then I know she'll be okay.'"
This grant was awarded through our Improving Health funding priority, which supports those with physical and mental health needs, those who desire healthier lifestyles, and those who may live with life-limiting conditions or disabilities.
This charity is committed to improving the social mobility of less advantaged young people across the UK including Sussex. They believe every young person should have an equal opportunity to reach their potential at school, university and through their careers.
They deliver programmes that develop personal and employability skills and raise academic outcomes for young people aged 11-19 from under-represented backgrounds. A recent grant from the Foundation has helped fund their programme called 'Future Leaders' focusing on the areas around Hastings and Bexhill.
Their 'Future Leaders' coaching-led programme enables students to explore their education and career options. The programme is broken down in various elements, where students can explore their interests and then create, deliver and evaluate their projects. The programme also helps them develop key skills like teamwork, public speaking, & critical thinking.
A series of specialist workshops and courses allow students to explore potential career paths, experience university life. They also participate in sessions that increase their knowledge of their chosen pathway.
Talking about his participation to the programme, one of the students said:
“Cambridge University wouldn’t be on my radar without Villiers Park. Their programme has boosted my confidence massively and challenged me in helpful ways – by not making things easy, testing my limits. The practice interviews particularly made me realise I must prepare more. But rather than being scary, it’s productive. It has reduced anxiety because I know what to expect.”
The Reaching Potential report, the latest in the Sussex Uncovered series, highlights the challenges our county faces. It also emphasises the vital role local charities play in helping disadvantaged individuals reach their full potential.
"Without this programme I would be a lot less aspirational. I think it has made such a big difference it’s hard to put into words. They helped me look at life in a more holistic, authentic way - not just academic. Sometimes things happen that are beyond your control. Being able to respond positively to those changes is what matters. The biggest thing is breaking that wall between what I thought I needed to be like to do these"
