Residents at Ashley House have been busy designing their own colourful dragons in preparation for St George’s Day next week.
Using everyday craft materials including toilet rolls, paint and glue, residents created a wonderful display of imaginative dragons, each with its own character and style. Photos from the session show the finished dragons decorated with details such as pipe cleaners, paper and sequins, bringing plenty of colour and personality to the display.
The activity also provided lots of opportunities for residents to work together and enjoy the creative process. Maggie and Herta were pictured chatting about a dragon while holding each end of a pipe cleaner, while another image shows residents and carers helping one another with the task. Wendy’s helper was photographed carefully gluing sequins onto Wendy’s dragon, Violet adding wings to hers, Barb doing the same, and Herta proudly smiling with her finished creation.
As well as being enjoyable, activities like this can support wellbeing in several ways. Craft sessions help with motor skills and cognitive stimulation, while the calm, hands-on nature of making and decorating can also help reduce anxiety and support emotional wellbeing. The shared experience encourages conversation, concentration and a real sense of achievement.
The finished dragons have made a bright and cheerful display at Ashley House, and residents clearly enjoyed getting creative ahead of the St George’s Day celebrations.
