Bright Shadow’s team are passionate about bringing Brighter Quality Care to people with dementia. Find out who they are below.
Clare has always had a passion for the arts, particularly theatre, graduating from Goldsmiths College, University of London with First Class Honours in 1999. From there she was drawn into the exciting and enriching world of Disability Arts, working as Administrator for renowned organisations Oily Cart Theatre Company and Heart n Soul. Clare spent ten years in total with Heart n Soul in a range of roles, becoming Deputy Chief Executive in 2009. She has acted as a Consultant to Southbank Centre and Jasmin Vardimon Dance Company and is delighted to now be leading Bright Shadow at this exciting time in its development. She says “I believe in the power art has to connect us, enable us to reach our full potential and to tell our stories in ways that spark new meaning. Bright Shadow has an important role to play in supporting those affected by dementia to access these creative possibilities and to project their voices for our shared understanding.”
Steve started at Bright Shadow in January 2017 and is the Workshop Assistant for Zest Thanet and Zest Herne Bay. His role is to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, to assist in the delivery of workshops and support the participants.
Steve particularly enjoys working with older adults and loves working in such a fun environment. He says, ‘seeing people enjoying themselves and knowing that you made a positive difference to their day is really rewarding’.
In what spare time he has, Steve is a regular volunteer at Pilgrims Hospice in Margate and for the Thanet Volunteer Bureau, as well as being Clerk to the Governing Body at Ellington Infant School in Ramsgate.
Mandy joined the Bright Shadow team in September 2017 as Zest Workshop Assistant for Dover and Folkestone.
Mandy has a BA (hons) in Music Industry Management and Popular Music, Advanced GNVQ in Art and Design and Children and Young People Workforce Level 2 Diploma.
Having worked in music media, community arts and education projects for over fifteen years, personal experiences of dementias and a passion for the benefits of the arts then naturally led Mandy to Bright Shadow. Mandy is passionate about community engagement and the arts being accessible, and says “the creative experiences we offer are so beneficial for the overall well-being of our participants and the local communities. It’s wonderful to see people living well with dementia and their close ones living in the moment and enjoying new creative experiences in such a fun and engaging way! I love our groups!”
Mandy is also a qualified Makaton MSB Trainer, Arts Award Discover and Explore Advisor and trustee committee volunteer for the Friends of Dover College.