Our story

I founded Go With The Flow in the summer of 2024 with a clear mission to introduce the principles and techniques of improvisation to those caring for individuals living with dementia.

After a successful 20-year career as a stage manager, working across the UK and Europe on acclaimed productions such as Disney’s The Lion King, Jersey Boys, and Blood Brothers, I made the decision in 2023 to transition into a role that felt more meaningful and personally fulfilling within the care sector.

In October 2023, I began working as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) at The Old Vicarage Care Home in Oxfordshire. My passion for dementia care quickly deepened, which led me to complete the Dementia Champion training with the University of Worcester in May 2024. I then pursued a Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Dementia Care. Additionally, I trained as a certified Talking Mats facilitator and am set to complete my Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) training at the University of Bradford in the summer of 2025. Later this year, I will begin my MSc in Ageing and Dementia at Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

As part of the Dementia Champion programme, I was tasked with designing a project that would enhance the lives of individuals living with dementia, both within my own care home and more broadly. I set out to create a project that would bridge my background in the arts with my growing dedication to person-centred dementia care.

After six months of extensive research and development, Go With The Flow was born.

During my research into the application of improvisation techniques within UK healthcare settings, I made a surprising and disappointing discovery, although improvisation training has grown in popularity since the late 1990s, particularly in NHS medical education, its use within dementia care and especially in residential care settings remains virtually nonexistent.

Health and social care professionals supporting individuals with dementia are rarely given access to training in this valuable communication tool. Further, after completing my Care Certificate, I observed that the 15 care standards failed to address the vital skills required for effectively communicating with individuals living with dementia or cognitive impairment.

Creative thinking and adaptability are not natural abilities for everyone. It is essential that caregivers, both professionals working in healthcare settings and individuals caring for loved ones at home are empowered with the tools to connect meaningfully.

Improvisation offers a powerful, compassionate approach to fostering connection and communication.

Through the development and delivery of this workshop, my aim is to shift the narrative around dementia care training, ensuring that creativity, empathy, and human connection are placed at the heart of the care and support for those living with dementia and cognitive challenges.

By equipping caregivers with the tools to connect more meaningfully, I hope to contribute to a future where those living with dementia are understood, valued, and respected.

I hope to see you on the workshop soon!