The Lottery-funded project is a unique mix of interactive Zoom drama workshops and music sessions that older people can enjoy in their own homes – plus real-life socially distanced outdoor performances. All our session are led by brilliant young local musicians, dramatists and singers.

One of the highlights of the scheme is the Huddersfield Hopefuls Digital Drama Group: We’re working on a comedy script called The Retirement of the Witches of Ipswich, about some very naughty witches. It’s like Harry Potter, but in a care home.

We also offer weekly Pop Choirs – we learn a new vintage pop song every week, then belt it out together. Zoom lag means we have to mute our mics, so this choir is great for people who can’t sing! You can watch a clip of one of our pop choirs here:  Zoom also makes us look out of sync (honest…)

As well as combating social isolation and loneliness, our  creative project is helping older people in Yorkshire to:

• learn new creative skills
• stretch their knowledge
• make new friends
• bond with old friends through new activities
• enjoy the wellbeing benefits of doing something creative and ‘a bit different’
• build confidence with digital skills
• feel connected to a community

For more information, contact Susan Walls [email protected]