06 February 2025
Bringing Laughter and Connection to Dementia Care: The Silver Screen Sisters Project
I am delighted to share my involvement in a pioneering new theatre project designed to enhance the well-being of people living with dementia through the power of comedy, music, and movement.
About the Project
As part of the Black Mountains Comedy Festival 2025, the Cardiff-based performance group Kitsch n Sync has developed Silver Screen Sisters, a specially commissioned show that brings joy and laughter to care home residents across South Wales. The project, funded by Arts Council Wales, is a unique blend of humour, nostalgia, and live performance—all carefully designed to create meaningful moments and support emotional well-being.
My Role in the Project
I was honoured to provide consultative support to Kitsch n Sync in developing Silver Screen Sisters. While my involvement was modest, I offered insights from my research on nostalgia and dementia care to assist in shaping the performance. Notably, several members of the troupe have personal experiences with dementia, which deeply informed their sensitive and thoughtful approach to the project. Their firsthand understanding was instrumental in creating a show that truly resonates with audiences living with dementia.
Why This Matters
Dementia care is often framed in medicalized terms, but arts-based interventions offer an invaluable way to enhance quality of life. Live performance, music, and movement can help individuals connect with their past, engage with their surroundings, and experience moments of joy and recognition. Projects like Silver Screen Sisters highlight the importance of creative, person-centred approaches in dementia care.
Watch the Performance
📽️ Check out the video of Silver Screen Sisters in action!
14 July 2023: Embracing Growth and Collaboration: My Journey with the Welsh Crucible
I consider myself very fortunate to have been selected as one of the participants in the prestigious Welsh Crucible program. This program aims to discover and support talented researchers from all over Wales. This opportunity has had a significant impact on my career, allowing me to make valuable connections, collaborate with others, and grow both as a researcher and a leader. I feel privileged to be acknowledged as a potential future research leader and will always be thankful for the life-altering experience that the Welsh Crucible has provided me.
The focus on interdisciplinary collaboration in the Welsh Crucible has been a valuable experience for me. It offered a unique opportunity to connect with researchers from different backgrounds, creating a supportive and friendly environment. Through engaging workshops and interactive discussions, I gained new perspectives and formed productive collaborations that go beyond specific fields of study.
The Welsh Crucible has had a profound effect on my professional growth by helping me develop my leadership abilities. With the guidance of experienced mentors, I have been motivated to embrace leadership qualities. I am grateful for the support I have received and aim to inspire others and make a positive impact in my field using the knowledge I have gained.
Taking part in the Welsh Crucible has been a privilege that has greatly boosted my professional development. By attending different workshops and training sessions, I have been able to enhance my ability to communicate effectively, conveying the significance and influence of my research to a wide range of people. Moreover, the program’s focus on public involvement has strengthened my belief in the importance of making research accessible and applicable to the wider community.
I appreciate being chosen for the Welsh Crucible and the acknowledgement that comes with it. The rigorous selection process of the program highlights the talent and commitment of all the participants. It inspires me to keep pursuing excellence and pushing the limits of my research endeavours.
The Welsh Crucible’s achievement would not have been possible without the backing and collaboration of Welsh universities and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW). I am sincerely appreciative of their commitment to promoting research excellence and offering this valuable opportunity to researchers at the early to mid-career stage, such as myself.
My experience with the Welsh Crucible has been filled with humility, appreciation, and personal development. Being acknowledged as a potential leader in research has motivated me to accept the accompanying responsibility and actively pursue chances to create a positive influence in my field and beyond. The connections formed, the knowledge acquired, and the sense of purpose instilled by this exceptional program will always hold a special place in my heart. As I move forward, I am dedicated to embodying the values of collaboration, leadership, and humility that the Welsh Crucible has taught me.
20 June 2023: Dementia Meeting Centres
On June 20, 2023, I had the pleasure to chair a workshop to assess local interest in establishing Dementia Meetings Centres in Swansea and its environs. Dr Shirley Evans, the UK’s meeting centre lead, provided a detailed explanation of the process.
My goal is to spearhead the creation of meeting centres, starting in Swansea and eventually expanding throughout Wales. At present, only four such centres exist in Wales. I aspire to work with like-minded colleagues to establish Wales as a model for providing post-diagnostic support to individuals with dementia and their loved ones.
24 May 2023: New books released
My two new books were released on 24 May 2023 by Routledge. One covers the latest information about dementia and the other concerns depression. For more information, please visit the publisher’s website and my author’s page on Amazon.
Dr Gary Christopher 