CHARLES Court residents celebrate completing two sensory art books made during a 10 week artist in residency as part of The Courtyard, Hereford's Centre for Arts ' Colour Me Purple' project.

This two year project seeks to encourage creative participation and sharing of experiences, through working with older people using visual arts based activities as a starting point in nursing, residential and day centre settings.

The creative art activities in each residency are adapted to suit all abilities and provide opportunities for individual self expression, creativity and communication through non verbal channels.

Artist and wellbeing practitioner Emily Wilkinson supported by activities coordinator Clarissa Haley worked with residents to create the books which were made by Irene, Phil, Elspeth, Olive, Jeanne, Margaret, June, Bunty, Beryl, Ivy, Pixie and Rita.

Clarissa said "The project has had a very positive effect, encouraging residents to 'have a go' even if they felt they were 'not good at art', highlighting the benefits of a mutually creative and inclusive experience".