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

In Mature Company will work with 9 care homes (3 per year) between September 2018 and March 2021 to explore the impact of dance and music in reducing the loneliness and isolation of residents living with dementia.

The programme will specifically look at the impact of touch and use Dementia Care Mapping as a research tool to better understand the impact of the sessions. The project will be delivered through a range of one-to-one sessions for people within their own rooms, small group sessions and larger group sessions.

Its team of 6 musicians and dance artists will participate in training and development and deliver up to 180 participatory sessions per year. The artists are:

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