Workshop: Non-Health Professionals

Workshop Title: Introduction to applied improvisation within dementia care.

Subject Area: Dementia care.

Study Level: Entry level.

Duration: 2 Hours

Workshop details

2 Hours (approx)

Morning or afternoon sessions (weekdays)

Various dates available throughout the year

At your place of work

Workshop suitable for 10 - 15 participants

Information
Booklet

Handbook

Learning methods

This workshop is a short but intensive two hour training program for around 10 - 15 participants. As with all practical workshops, you should expect to use a variety of different learning methods. Learning methods: Theory work (PowerPoint presentation) Small group work Large group work Open discussions Note taking Use of media (Videos)
Aims and Learning outcomes.

This workshop aims to provide health care professionals with the knowledge and skills to be able to use the principles and techniques of improvisation when being with and communicating with the individuals in their care who live with dementia and cognitive impairment. This workshop aims to: Introduce participants to applied improvisation. Look at why improvisation techniques within dementia care are important. Explore the guidelines of improvisation. Use practical training that enables participants to use the guidelines of improvisation within their role as a carer of those living with dementia and cognitive impairment. Explore how improvisation supports the Enriched Model of Dementia, Kitwood’s Flower of social and psychological human needs and Positive person work. Look at examples of when not to use the guidelines of improvisation. On successful completion of this workshop, participants should be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of using improvisation techniques within dementia care. Participants should be able to demonstrate: An understanding of what applied improvisation is. An understanding of why improvisation is important within dementia care. An understanding of the guidelines of improvisation. Be able to confidently start using improvisation techniques within their role as a carer. A basic understanding of how improvisation supports the Enriched model of dementia, Kitwood’s flower and Positive person work. An understanding of when not to use the guidelines of improvisation.
After the workshop

After taking part in the workshop you should be able to use the skills and techniques learnt during this workshop within your role as a carer of those living with dementia and cognitive impairment.
How to apply

We only accept workshop applications where there is a minimum of ten participants. Therefore we do not accept workshop applications from individuals at this moment in time. Health Care professionals: Workshop applications should be made via your employer or manager. Non-Health care professionals or friends/relatives: Workshop applications should be made via your employer/manager or through the charity/support group that you are currently involved with or who is supporting you.
Fees

Our workshops can vary in cost depending on a number of different factors: Number or workshop participants. Location of workshop. There will also be a small charge for: Materials (Workshop handbooks). Travel expenses (To and from location). Arts/crafts and stationary used. Please fill in our workshop application form on our website to get a personalised quote for your workshop(s). We want to ensure that money is no obstacle for those who want to attend our workshop, so please do contact us for more information.
Assessment

There are no formal assessments after completion of this workshop. Participants should however be able to: Demonstrate understanding of the subject through large group discussions during the workshop. Demonstrate understanding of the subject through practical activities during the workshop. This will ensure that participants are able to use the skills that they have learnt during this workshop within their role as a carer of an individual that lives with dementia and cognitive impairment .
Entry requirements

This workshop is aimed at both health care professionals and non-health care professionals who either care for or interact with on a regular basis with individuals that live with dementia and cognitive impairment. Minimum entry requirements: No professional qualifications are needed to take part in this workshop. To be a carer of and/or interact regularly with an individual who lives with dementia and cognitive impairment.
Structure of workshop

Workshop participants are required to undertake: One Theory session. One Introduction Activity. Two improvisation activities. Please see our workshop information booklet for more details on each session.

Are you a family member, friend, or non-health care professional who regularly interacts with someone living with dementia or cognitive impairment?

Perhaps you’re a loved one supporting a parent, partner, or friend. Maybe you work in a care home or assisted living setting in a non-clinical role such as housekeeping, catering, activities, or administration and want to better understand how to connect with residents experiencing memory loss.

If you're looking for new, meaningful ways to improve your communication and build more positive relationships, this workshop is for you.

This session introduces the practical and therapeutic use of applied improvisation, a playful and powerful approach that helps caregivers and loved ones respond to the moment, listen deeply, and build trust through small but meaningful interactions. You don’t need any acting or performance experience. All that’s required is an open mind and a willingness to connect.

Grounded in person-centred values and real-world experience,

this session will help you:

Better understand how dementia affects communication and connection
Learn simple tools to reduce frustration and enhance mutual understanding
Discover how spontaneity, empathy, and listening can make daily interactions easier and more joyful
Explore creative techniques to validate emotions and support emotional well-being
Reflect on your own communication style and how you respond in uncertain or challenging moments

Who is this workshop for?

Family members and friends of individuals living with dementia
Volunteers, community members, or spiritual care providers
Staff working in non-clinical roles in care homes

No background in dementia care or improvisation is needed.

The session is inclusive, non-judgmental, supportive and focused on building your confidence and helping you feel less alone in the caregiving journey.

Why It Matters

Even the smallest interactions, serving a meal, sharing a joke, sitting in silence can profoundly affect how someone living with dementia feels. When we respond with presence, patience, and creativity, we support their sense of dignity, self-worth, and connection.

This workshop is inspired by the Enriched Model of Dementia developed by Tom Kitwood, which highlights the importance of emotional connection and relational care in supporting well-being.

Join Us

We believe that anyone can learn how to connect more meaningfully with someone living with dementiaand that creativity can be a powerful tool in that process. Whether you're caring for a loved one or supporting others in your work, this session offers practical guidance, emotional insight, and renewed confidence.

Let’s explore what it means to truly go with the flow in dementia care.

Book your workshop today

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