SpudWorks charity in Sway in final push for dementia space

TIME is running out for a Sway charity to raise the last £8,000 it needs to build a bespoke art space for people with dementia and mental health issues.

SPUD, which is based at SpudWorks on Station Road, hopes to start work on the £55,000 Living Room project next month if enough funding can be secured. Planning permission is already in place, with grants and donations worth £47,000 currently pledged.

SPUD director Mark Drury said: “We are now so close to raising the money that we need but one of the major funding offers is due to expire if we cannot start work next month.

“We hope with a final push we can raise the last £8,000 we need to begin the building work.”

He continued: “The Living Room will be a workshop space, purpose-designed and equipped to offer people living with dementia and various mental health issues, along with vulnerable communities, the chance to work creatively with artists in a beautiful, quiet space.”

The circular cedar-clad building will sit among beautifully landscaped gardens and adjacent to the onsite artist studios. It has been designed specifically to be accessible and feel safe and welcoming.

Technology will be incorporated into the design to enable users to access coloured lighting, sound systems, and large-scale wall projections.

Mark said: “You can imagine the whole back wall will be a plain canvas so we can project around half the building. So you could say I want to be in a woodland, and project a forest 180 degrees onto the wall; you could play bird songs and the sounds of leaves rustling.”

Hampshire County Council has pledged £25,000 to the project and Arts University Bournemouth has contributed £5,000. The remaining cash has been secured via private donations and a Go Fund Me campaign.

The concept centres around activities that can be undertaken away from the noise and hubbub of the main building. It could be used for one-to-one sessions, small group classes, or even as a workspace for vulnerable artists.

Mark said: “SPUD has made a conscious decision to work with vulnerable communities in the local area, particularly targeting people living with dementia and their carers, and the young LGBTQ+ community.

“The demand for these activities outstrips what we are able to offer in the space we have. The gallery is only available rarely, and although creates a lovely space there can be noise and disturbance from the tenants and necessary life of the building, which can be unsettling and upsetting for participants.”

Mark added: “Many of the young people who have been involved with our project work are struggling with mental health challenges surrounding their identity.”

The SpudWorks site currently features a gallery space, artist studios, craft workshops, creative office spaces, and community areas. The disused brick water tower is the last building to be redeveloped on the site.

For more information on The Living Room project, visit www.spud.org.uk/the-living-room or call Mark on 01590 682260. To support the project, go to www.gofund.me/855dcf38