Creativity and connection at Melksham art group

An arts group in Melksham is helping people living with dementia explore their creativity and build social connections. 

Community Arts Melk-sham, run by Wiltshire charity Beyond Dementia, meet fortnightly. The group offers creative sessions led by a professional artist.

Each term, members work on art projects that build over several weeks, allowing participants to learn new skills and explore their creativity at their own pace. With tea, cake and plenty of time to chat, the sessions are as much about social connection as they are about creating art.

To mark the start of a new year, members of Melksham Community Arts group made a 2026 calendar, featuring their own original designs. Copies have been distributed to all members for use throughout the year.

Head of Community Services at Beyond Dementia, Jonathan Aldridge-Mansfield, said, “Our Community Arts groups show the true power of creativity.

“The calendar is a wonderful example of what people can achieve when given time, encouragement and the freedom to create.”

The group meets Friday mornings from 10.30am to 12.30pm. For more information, visit www.beyonddementia.org.uk