The focus will be on people living with dementia in Bolton as a new photography workshop is launched.

The eight-week course will take place at Smithills Hall to help those who have the condition to be able to socialise in a safe and welcoming environment.

It has been launched by Bolton Library and Museum Services.

The idea behind the workshops is for residents with dementia to learn a new hobby, in this instance traditional photograpy, whilst making friends.

Cllr Andy Morgan, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “When a loved one develops dementia it is natural that we all want to do everything we can to support them.

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“One of the best ways to help is by showing them photographs and images that will help them reminisce and stimulate the brain. 

“The Smithills Hall Workshops are an amazing initiative, reviewing photographs is one of the best ways to assist in recall, aiding memory and strengthening relationships and I would encourage people to attend the workshops to promote wellbeing not only in their loved ones but also themselves.”

A spokesperson for Bolton Library and Museum Services said photography can help dementia in several ways with creative activities stimulating the brain, photography promotes mindfulness by strengthening the ability to focus on creative tasks, promotes self-expression by using your imagination.

He added that photographs help stimulate memories through image association, helps communication in a non-verbal way and the sense of personal accomplishments, the satisfaction of completion, and the joy of the artistic process.

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The workshops will begin at the end of February on the 22, from 11am to 12pm at Smithills Hall, Bolton, BL1 7NP.

The workshops are free, but booking is essential, and a loved one or carer is encouraged to also attend but they don’t need to book a ticket.

To book onto the workshops go to: https://bit.ly/3IRSaW7

For more information on the workshops, contact 01204 332853 or askboltonlibraries@bolton.gov.uk.