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A Creative Writing Project for people with dementia
designed by Anthea McKinlay.
Glasgow 2003-2007
"I'm so happy having this done and all. I can say 'written by Annie Keen'. I'm way up high with it."
These are the words of Annie Keen, about working with Anthea McKinlay to create writing of her own. Annie is one of 160 people with dementia living in Glasgow City Council residential care homes, who have participated in a project designed by Anthea McKinlay to enable them to create books of their words and to be recognised as authors in their own right. Anthea's work began when her mother had dementia. "I followed my instinct to pick up a pen and paper and write down my mother's words" says Anthea. "Through creating writing together, my mother taught me so much about listening and told me things that birthed and shaped my work with people who have dementia. Those times my mother and I shared are among the most precious experiences of my life."
The following writing, with copyright permission, was created in a group sharing around a table with Anthea and her pen and paper.
What We've Learned In Life
by Nellie Curran, Lizzie Murray and Cathy Quinn
Lizzie We all have our own ways.
Cathy Sometimes if you misbehave, it's more fun!
Nellie To find words in your brain, you need good connections.
Lizzie A quiet morning can do you good, the peacefulness.
Cathy Be happy. We're all friends. We have a lot of smiles.
Nellie Share and share alike.
Lizzie It's nice to be nice.
Cathy We've learned a lot in life.
Nellie My wisdom is somewhere. It's saying:don't scrub me out.
You can read more by the authors with dementia in Glasgow, and what they have to say about having this opportunity to create their own writing, on their project website at: www.dementia-authors.org
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