Alex Brown, a third-year student at Northumbria has set up his social enterprise which aims to help people who suffer from dementia and brain injuries to express themselves through creative artwork.
Alex partnered with Dr. Jane Dawson, also an ex Northumbria student, who worked with people who have brain injuries. The two originally decided to set up the ‘Art For The Brain' for people with dementia, however they began to gain popularity with both people with dementia and brain injuries so have a vision to expand to 2 classes per week, one for each condition.
Art For The Brain gives people the tools, opportunities, expertise and environment to express themselves in a way that they want to, but in their own manner. With complete control over their own artwork.
The rural art studio where the sessions take place, based on a secluded farm near Stocksfield has roughly impacted the lives of over 40 people. With 11 volunteers, mainly student from Northumbria.
They are joined by therapy dogs Twinkle, Flint and Custard who are specially trained to work with people with dementia & brain injuries. They have proved to be a huge hit with everyone.
Relying on small grants and donations to run these sessions. Alex and a team of 3 other student volunteers (all Northumbria Students) are now climbing the 3 peaks in Yorkshire to raise funds for their expanding business. This is a 25-mile hike with an ascension of 1000ft to be completed in 12 hours.
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