Corby's golden girls and guys given time to create

Made in Corby has teamed-up with Scottish Power to provide workshops for the over 65s

The Northamptonshire-based community arts programme has received a funding boost from the ScottishPower Foundation to support its latest initiative which aims to bring older people together in a creative environment.

By March 2020, venues across Corby will have played host to more than 100 workshops led by professional musical, theatrical and visual artists with the over 65s having the opportunity to take part in dance and performance, music and singing, creative writing, painting and sculpting.

Vicky Frayard, a producer at Made in Corby, said: “People in the UK are living longer than ever before, but all too often this comes at a cost. Many older people are left isolated and vulnerable, unable to connect with others or maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“We’re so grateful for the funding provided by the ScottishPower Foundation which has allowed us to open up the workshops to even more people and has let us partner with some of the most creative people in the region.

"There is so much creativity being displayed by the older participants involved, and even just a few months in we’ve seen some amazing pieces of work being produced."

The programme will culminate in a showcase event ‘Time To…Takeover’ on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, 2020 which will take place at The Core at Corby Cube, a two-day celebration of the participants’ experiences and achievements throughout the programme.

As part of the project, Made in Corby will be working in partnership with local care homes, day centres and community venues to provide an opportunity for older people to come together and tackle social isolation.

Workshops cover diferent arts including dance and performance, music and singing, creative writing, painting and sculpting

Melanie Hill, executive officer and trustee of the Scottish Power Foundation, added: “Made in Corby’s ‘Time To…Create’ project is a fantastic example of the enormous impact something as simple as the opportunity to think creatively can have on people’s lives.

“Social isolation, particularly for older people, is rapidly becoming one of the biggest challenges of modern times.

"By bringing people together and giving them the skills and the tools through which to express themselves, we’re delighted to see this project making so much headway towards tackling this issue.

"I’m looking forward to hearing more about the participants’ experiences over the coming months.”

The ScottishPower Foundation was established in 2013 and provides funding to registered charities which are involved in the advancement of education, environmental protection, citizenship and community development.