There will be two hands-on workshops
1) Workshop Title: Laughter Boss
Description: At this teaser* workshop, participants will elevate their ability to engage and connect through the power of humour and play. Participants will learn some of the foundational techniques of Laughter Care Specialists, professionally trained performers who specialise in healthcare clowning, with the objective of discovering at least one that you’ll be confident to try at work. Delivered by experienced Laughter Care Specialist, Paul Wilson (aka Archie), the workshop will also share how the Laughter Care program supports the psycho-social needs of people living in aged care, reinvigorating their quality of life whilst also increasing the happiness and well-being of staff.
*Laughter Boss workshops are delivered at Residential Aged Care Facilities to empower staff through the sharing of fun, practical skills that will support them in their everyday work. The objective is to foster an atmosphere of joy, humour and rewarding interactions in the facilities where they work. This workshop is a condensed version of the workshop delivered on-site at RACF. For more information on Laughter Boss see The Humour Foundation's website HERE.
2) An artmaking workshop which will be based on the Dementia Australia artmaking course
This workshop is drawn from a creative ageing research project into the wellbeing, cognitive and brain health benefits of engagement with a 10-week art course. Funded by Dementia Australia, the research project was led by Helen English and the art-making expertly facilitated by Courtney Griffiths. The symposium’s art workshop is designed for beginners (although individuals can extend the activities to suit their skill levels). It will introduce a selection of art mediums, taking as a starting point an artwork by a local artist. This artwork will inspire the session and all works will be photographed (with permission) for a visual report on the symposium. Art materials will be supplied. At the end of the session there will be a short discussion to gauge participants’ responses and capture any ideas for future art workshops.