In Mature Company is a four-year project and part of the Time to Shine programme. It is delivered by Leeds Older People’s Forum and funded through National Lottery Community Fund’s Ageing Better. Time to Shine takes a city-wide approach to addressing the social isolation of older people living in Leeds. 

2021 has seen the In Mature Company project delivering outdoor sessions with 4 Leeds care homes and bringing the joy of dancing and moving to new communities.

Care homes across Leeds were severely affected by the pandemic so they jumped at the chance of warm weather to welcome our team of artists back to lead outdoor dance sessions. This summer we’ve grappled with gazebos, faced forecasts of rain and last minute ‘pingdemic’ panics to run four outdoor dance sessions each week for over 140 residents.

“The staff and residents really enjoyed Yorkshire Dance’s sessions. It is a really lovely, interactive session. It gets everyone involved and has a really positive impact.” – Care home staff

“Just had the delightful experience of seeing some of the residents chatting, dancing and generally having a great time to today’s session. Many of the residents are very isolated and have embraced the connections as well as the health benefits through this lovely dance opportunity.” – Care Delivery Service Leeds City Council

Images: Yorkshire Dance