The Platinum programme

In 2016 over 65s accounted for 15.8% of the population. By 2066 this figure is expected to be 26%*

We have an ageing population in North East England. Our Platinum programme specialises in working with people over age 55 – to improve their positive mindfulness, wellbeing, physical, social, and learning needs. 

We believe in strategic partnerships and work with health and care professionals, local authorities, universities, charities and support services including:    

• Age Concern Tyneside South 
• Age UK North Tyneside 
• The Angelou Centre 
• Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear Mental Health Trust 
• Dementia Matters  
• Elder’s Council Newcastle 
• Newcastle Hospitals Trust 
• Regional residential and nursing facilities  
• Sight Service Gateshead and South Tyneside 
• South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust 
• Your Homes Newcastle  

Over the last five years the programme has worked with hundreds of partner organisations, and we have delivered over 180 sessions with over 3000 older people. 

Opportunities include: 

• Slow Museums - a relaxed visiting experience providing a safe space, support and time to think
• Working with museum staff to develop museum object displays 
• Museum object handling activities 
• Bespoke creative sessions and projects
• Museum Health and Social Care resources for carers and support workers to use with clients
• Training for Health and Care staff 
• Meet at the Laing

Projects:

We work with partners in the Culture, Health and Heritage sector on innovative and pioneering projects including: 

Not So Grim Up North (2015-2018) -  investigated the health and wellbeing impact of museum and gallery activities for three audience groups: people living with dementia, stroke survivors and mental health service-users (including addiction recovery service-users). The research project was a collaboration between University College London (UCL) and museum partners: Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Museum, and Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM), funded by Arts Council England.

“The Research findings from Not So Grim Up North shows how museum and clinical staff are able to enhance each other’s services and how using arts and cultural initiatives have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of patients.”   
Kristie Pearson - Occupational Therapist at the Centre for the Health of the Elderly at Newcastle General Hospital    

Slow Museums - we worked with Slow Shopping founder, Katherine Vero to develop Slow Museums - creating a safe and supportive environment in our venues for people with anxiety, communication or literacy difficulties, older people, those living with dementia as well as those with more visible disabilities.

“Visiting a museum or gallery can stimulate new conversations. To be able to engage with history, culture and art is so valuable. We aim to encourage those who feel isolated, anxious or who lack confidence to come and engage with culture and to start the steps back to a full and healthy life.”
Katherine Vero – Slow Museums 

Find out more:

To find out more about the Platinum programme contact: Joanne.charlton@twmuseums.org.uk

*Source of data: ONS - Living longer: how our population is changing and why it matters