Theatre used in study at Doncaster College

Doncaster College Health and Social Care and Public Services students and their Student Union team welcomed Darts (Doncaster Arts) to deliver their performance, ‘Unlocking Dementia’, to help support students with their studies, and future employment.

The performance sets scenes with discussion following, to allow students time to reflect on issues raised. The opening scene “Technology” shows the user experience of a person with dementia. One student said: “Using technology can make me frustrated so think about if you had dementia….it must be so frustrating for them.” Actors used a shaky bookcase to illustrate memory difficulties caused by dementia; memories on the top shelf fell first. Students said that they would be more aware and understanding and more aware of dementia and its effects, following the exercise.