Feeling Fine Film launch sees Ellon care home residents work with Aberdeenshire artist Frieda Strachan
A poignant film has been released showing the impact of a heartwarming project, which saw residents at Ythanvale Care Home in Ellon work with north-east artist, Frieda Strachan. Working with wool using traditional tools had a remarkable effect for residents and staff alike, as captured by the short film and accompanying pictures for the Feeling Fine Project.
The initiative was funded by Aberdeenshire Health and Social Partnership, and saw care home manager Dana MacDonald work closely with the artist and fellow staff over several weeks. Children from Gordon Park nursery were also involved in Feeling Fine, and Ythanvale Care Home regularly does intergenerational work with youngsters in the community.
The touching footage which was produced by Jason Sinclair of Jason Sinclair Films, has finally been released – with the blessing from family members of residents who have since sadly passed away.
The project has previously been a huge success at other AHSCP sites, including Dawson Court Very Sheltered Housing in Turriff and Westbank Care Home in Oldmeldrum.
For Shona Campbell, who is Location Manager for Ellon and Pitmedden within AHSCP, Feeling Fine demonstrated the immense dedication of the team involved. “It is absolutely fantastic that we were able to fund Feeling Fine at Ythanvale,” she said, “We are extremely grateful to our colleagues within Live Life Aberdeenshire Cultural Services for introducing the concept behind Feeling Fine to us, and introducing us to the artist involved.
“Care home manager, Dana MacDonald, put so much thought into the process and ensured everyone felt supported, alongside her team and of course, Frieda. There is also such a lovely inter-generational element, and the residents loved working with children from a local nursery. The resulting textile artwork was of course beautiful, but the actual process was very nostalgic and therapeutic for everyone who took part.”
Care home manager, Dana MacDonald, believes the whole community got behind Feeling Fine, mafter the call went out for wool donations.
“We couldn‘t move for the sheer amount of wool, people kept dropping by with their donations and it was just wonderful,“ she said, “For residents who have dementia, they found holding the wool very comforting and calming. There were some beautiful conversations, and we‘re so grateful to everyone involved.“
Artist Frieda Strachan has relocated to LA following the project, but believes it has helped re-define her career.
“I‘ll always remember a gentleman who used the carding machine each week, and he didn‘t really initiate conversation. That is, until I took in an unwashed fleece,” said Frieda, “The smell ignited something in him, and he started talking about working on tractors. It was one of those lightbulb moments, we really connected. I feel very privileged to have worked with the residents and the team at Ythanvale Care Home. They made me realise that so much of my creativity hinges on community and being part of something with people. I felt a better person for being in that kind of environment with such lovely people. Feeling Fine was honestly my missing puzzle piece.“
Notes to editors: The film can be viewed via www.youtube.com/watch?v=N58PRlbfiw8
