Workshop: Health Care 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 healthcare professional working within a hospital, residential, or community care setting, supporting individuals living with dementia?

Perhaps you are a care assistant, support worker, activity coordinator looking to expand your understanding and approach to person-centred care?

Are you are passionate about delivering meaningful, compassionate care and wish to explore new and creative ways of connecting with individuals living with dementia?

This two-hour interactive workshop is part of our wider training programme, Go with the Flow – Connecting Through Creativity, and has been specifically designed to introduce the practical and therapeutic use of applied improvisation in dementia care.

Grounded in person-centred principles and evidence-informed practice, this session provides an accessible entry point into the world of improvisational techniques and their unique capacity to enhance communication, build trust, and improve the quality of interactions between caregivers and individuals with dementia.

Who is this training for?

This workshop is suitable for a wide range of participants, including:

Nurses, healthcare assistants, and allied health professionals
Support workers and care home staff
Activity coordinators and community outreach workers
Individuals working in dementia-friendly environments who wish to develop creative, responsive approaches to care

No previous experience in improvisation is required.

The session is welcoming, inclusive, and focused on building

confidence in real-world care scenarios.

What will you gain from this session?

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

Understand the basic principles of applied improvisation and how they relate to dementia care
Learn how to use spontaneity, active listening, and non-verbal communication to support more responsive care
Explore the importance of validation, empathy, and relational presence in care interactions
Gain practical tools for engaging with individuals living with cognitive impairment in a flexible and respectful way
Reflect on their own communication styles and consider how creativity can support emotional connection and psychological wellbeing

This session is grounded in the social-psychological understanding of dementia, as outlined by the Enriched Model of Dementia developed by Tom Kitwood. It acknowledges that how we relate to and interact with individuals living with dementia plays a vital role in their experience of self-worth, inclusion, and dignity.

Join Us

We believe that creative approaches such as improvisation have the power to transform not only the quality of dementia care but also the confidence and emotional resilience of those delivering it. Join us to discover how simple, human-centred techniques can make a meaningful difference in your daily practice.

Spaces are limited. Early booking is advised.

Book your workshop today

Book Workshop