You’re Never Too Old to Take Part
13 Aug 2021
All age groups, from adolescents to older generations have suffered with social connection over the last 18 months. There are now high levels of anxiety and depression and our services can help people to overcome these barriers and gain a sense of belonging, and fun.
At Take Part we encourage parents and members of the local community to engage with Creative Arts and experience the physical, social and wellbeing benefits that they can provide. These sessions promote ‘play’ and ‘creativity’ in a world where we can often be so far removed from our primal instincts in these areas.
What impact COVID has had on Adults?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on people’s health and their livelihoods. According to the UCL COVID-19 Social Study depression and anxiety are highest in young adults, women, people with lower household income, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, those with a physical health condition, and people living with children. We want to reach out and help more adults in our community.
Attending our workshops brings together a diverse group of adults who spend time together with a common goal. As they learn the harmonies and choreography, they rehearse teamwork as well as singing and dancing. At the start and end of the sessions the group have a chance to chat and meet with each other. Several of our participants are parents who comment that the group is the only time for themselves in the week. Participants have commented on a feeling of family, community, and support.
Unlike many traditional choirs, our groups all learn choreography and simple dance routines to go with the songs. This brings physical activity to some people who wouldn’t engage in traditional exercise programmes and is flexible so people can participate at a level that suits them. As part of the vocal warmups, breathing and movement exercises are performed.
We are very aware that mindfulness is about being in the moment. Through Musical Theatre our participants get a chance to escape to another world or character. Through singing and dancing at the same time with other people, our participants get a chance to take notice of their bodies and how they move and feel in different positions. They take notice of their voice and how it can respond in different ways.
Our groups are always mixed between those who performed in earlier life, and those who are new to the sessions. Both are discovering and rediscovering the joys of singing and dancing. Our skilled Tutors make sure everybody learns something new about technique in the sessions. Alongside this, our sessions give many a first chance to perform in public.
Take Part gives back to the community through public performances. They also work alongside young adults and teenagers on performance work. This means our participants work as role models and can help with setting aspirations for our group of young people, as well as entertaining our audiences.