ART is often seen as a therapeutic alternative to the stresses of everyday life.

And with this in mind, Trowbridge-based Alzheimer’s Support have launched a new art group at the Firlawn Nursing Home in Holt to help dementia sufferers express their emotions and thoughts through their creative side.

The new art group meets on Thursday mornings and it is the first time the charity has run a community group in a care home.

Babs Harris, Alzheimer’s Support chief executive said: “Art can be therapeutic for people with dementia, who are still able to be creative and enjoy colour, texture and form when other skills may be lost. It’s also very beneficial for people to get together socially and have an enjoyable time together in a group. All our groups are very friendly and people can work at their own pace or just do their own thing in the company of others.”

The charity, based in Park Lane, has already been running a club in Pewsey for nearly three years but started the Holt venture due to increased demand.

The groups are funded by the Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation and Morrison’s Foundation and are both led by art therapist Sarah Weeks.

The art groups are designed so that people can work at their own pace and individuals can spend their time doing their own projects if they prefer.

Ms Harris added: “Our art group at Pewsey has been so successful that we were asked for some time to provide a similar group in the west of the county, so we were delighted to get the funding in place and to have found such a good venue. It’s a joint venture with Firlawns and the first time we have run a group for people living in the community in a care home environment. It’s a lovely room and it’s working out very well.”

To take part, contact Sarah Weeks on 01380 739055.