Surrey Heights Dementia Care Centre Partners with Local School For Dementia Friendly Art Exhibition Visit

Residents at Surrey Heights Dementia Care Centre, part of CHD Living, have enjoyed a week of community connection and creative inspiration after visiting a local art exhibition and sculpture trail hosted by King Edward School, Witley.

The exhibition, held in partnership with appART, gave residents the chance to enjoy time outdoors, engage with local arts, and take part in a relaxed, interest led outing that supported wellbeing and confidence.

Throughout the week, Wellbeing Coordinator Karen supported residents who were able to attend by walking with them to the nearby school. The short walk, alongside warm and sunny weather, made the experience particularly enjoyable and helped create a natural sense of routine and anticipation.

Residents responded positively to the artwork, with Jan especially impressed by Beatles themed pieces and Nick drawn to a tiger sculpture. During his visit, Nick also spoke with gallery team members about his own interest in art and was encouraged to apply to exhibit his work at next year’s event, opening up a meaningful opportunity for future involvement.

A standout moment involved resident Karen, who had previously declined other outings. With appropriate support, Karen agreed to attend, remained calm and engaged throughout, and shared her experience enthusiastically with others.

Jean-Pascal (JP) Toussaint, Registered Manager at the Surrey Heights Dementia Care Centre, said: “Dementia friendly community inclusion is not about large gestures. It is about creating the right conditions for people to feel safe, seen and confident enough to take part. This visit shows what happens when you match an opportunity to someone’s interests and provide the right support around it. It builds connection, it builds confidence, and it reminds people that life can still feel full of colour and possibility.”