Doric Books is applyin fur fundin tae support an excitin new project aat aims tae improve e mental health an weel-bein o auld folk aa ower Aiberdeenshire. Iss project bigs on e Doric Blethers sessions we've deen in libraries an Care Hames an includes a mix o gentle exercise, music, stories, an community interaction.

E key pairts o ilka session include:

1. Gentle Exercises wi Sang, Story, or Poyem: e focus is on allowin participants tae move in wyes aat suit thim, anat e same time enjoyin music, stories, or poetry.

2. Interactive Stories an Reminiscence Activities: iss activities'll encourage fowk tae reflect on e past an share stories wi ither participants, helpin thim reconnect wi thir memories.

E project'll be delivert in Doric.  Iss is important, especially fur residents wi dementia, cause research shows aat fowk aften revert tae e language they eesed fin they wur young an helps fowk feel safe, recognised, an connected. 

Fae a mental health pint o view e activities'll hae a real positive effect bi stimulatin cognitive function, encouragin social interaction, promotin gentle physical activity, an makkin shur fowk feel heard an valued. 

Doric Blethers is a rare project aat blends cultural heritage, social engagement, an support fur auler fowk. If we get e siller, it'll help create stranger, mair supportive communities fur aul folk across Aiberdeenshire, improvin thir quality o life an celebratin e rich history an traditions o e north-east inna.

Doric Books is applying for funding to support an exciting new initiative aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of elderly residents across Aberdeenshire. This project builds on the Doric Blethers sessions we have dekivered in laibarries and Care Homes and includes a mix of gentle exercise, music, storytelling, and community interaction.

The key components of each session include:

1. Gentle Exercises with Song, Story, or Poem: The focus is on allowing participants to move in ways that suit their individual abilities, while also incorporating the joy and comfort of music, storytelling, or poetry.
2. Interactive Stories and Reminiscence Activities: These activities are designed to encourage personal reflection and group sharing, helping participants reconnect with their past and reminisce about meaningful moments.

The project will be delivered in Doric.  This is important, especially for residents with dementia, as research indicates that people often revert to the language spoken in their youth. So it will help participants feel safe, recognised, and connected.  

From a mental health perspective, the activities will have a very positive effect by stimulating cognitive function, encouraging social interaction, promoting gentle physical activity and making sure people feel heard and valued.

Doric Blethers is a unique and much-needed initiative that combines cultural heritage, social engagement, and tailored support for the elderly. If funded, it will help create stronger, more supportive communities for older adults in Aberdeenshire, improving their overall quality of life while celebrating the rich history and traditions of the Doric language.