A dancer from Helston has been taking her colourful performances into care homes in Cornwall as part |of a project to engage older people |in the arts.

Jayne Devlin was selected to deliver dance performances developed collaboratively with care home residents, entitled “Moments of Breathe and Hand Jive”, and billed |as a “lively buzz of movement, music, smiles and laughter”.

Jayne and her dancers, Cathy Whitmore and Lauren Syrett, based their work on the musical “Calamity Jane,” incorporating movements and props in response to ideas from residents in a home which specialises in supporting people with dementia, old age and mental health conditions.

The team behind “Moments of Breathe and Hand Jive” will be visiting other participating venues in the run up to Christmas. The performances are aimed at jogging memories, creating a sense of community and alleviating stress, as well as allowing staff and residents to enjoy themselves.

The events are part of “Home Service”, led by Arts in Health Cornwall, and are designed to bring high quality arts experiences into care home settings through interactive, creative workshops to residents |across Cornwall.

Home Service is funded by Arts Council England and The Baring Foundation, who jointly committed over £250,000 to the three-year project in January 2014.

For more information about the scheme and to find out how you |can get involved, contact Jayne |Howard, Director of Arts for |Health Cornwall on 01326 377772 or jayne@artsforhealthcornwall.org.uk.