At the beginning of the summer, Alzheimer Bulgaria welcomed Ellie Robinson-Carter with whom they carried out various activities related to raising awareness and working with people with dementia.

Ellie Robinson-Carter is a researcher, consultant and practitioner in the field of art therapies and dementia. Through embodying a co-creative approach, Ellie’s projects are shaped by those who participate: this is reflected by the variety of media used and forms the projects take. From photography, printmaking, letter-writing and painting to creating community events and conferences, Ellie is skilled at creating the opportunity for connection to spark between people through creative communication.

Ellie’s current roles include: Founding Artistic Director of The Photobook Project, Creative Spaces Project Manager at Sensory Trust, Online Tutor on MSc Dementia at University of Hull, Associate Lecturer on BA Illustration at University of Plymouth and Co-Chair of “Only Connect!”. 

As part of “The Photobook Project”, the association, together with Ellie Robinson-Carter and Every dog matters EU, organised a visit to Block’s care nursing home. A meeting took place between the dogs from the shelter and the people from the home. The people with dementia were given specially adapted cameras with which they were able to capture the moments of the meeting, directing the lens according to their own perception. As part of the project, Ellie Robinson-Carter will create albums to provide to the home to serve as a reminder of the meeting for people with dementia.

The Association also contacted BECA Academy who gave Ellie the opportunity to conduct a lecture on dementia and photography to their students. She raised awareness amongst young people about how art can be used to help people with dementia.

Alzheimer Bulgaria Association was also invited to join the international network “Only Connect!” to share experiences with organisations around the world.