Keswick Museum has announced a new season of Tuesday’s tonic – its highly successful programme of free ‘wellbeing’ sessions for people living with dementia and their carers, as well as for other older people experiencing loneliness.

Tuesday’s Tonic was launched with the initial financial support from the Cumbria Community Foundation in the autumn of 2022, enabling groups of older people to come together at the museum to enjoy each other’s company, participate in relaxed arts and heritage activities, and share vital conversation to break the isolation many were experiencing – particularly after the Covid 19 pandemic.

Each 2-hour session is led by a highly experienced local facilitator – Jenn Bell - supported by museum volunteers, and hosted in a warm, comfortable and safe space - the museum's accessible Crosthwaite room which overlooks the beautiful Fitz Park.

Tuesdays Tonic was designed to be both social and creative in nature, with a focus on wellbeing. Activities include social time, stimulating conversation, music, craft, storytelling and poetry. In addition, the museum’s unique collection of objects and archive images are used to inspire conversation and provide stimulus for each session.

By the close of 2022, attendee numbers had risen so much it was clear that its once-a-month sessions were insufficient to meet the growing demand from the local community. In January 2023, with additional financial support from private doners, Millfield Care Home and Keswick Lions, the number of Tuesday’s Tonic sessions were doubled to take place once every fortnight.

The current season comes to end in August, but local supporters – including Keswick’s Mayor Steve Harwood and Keswick Lions – have already come forward with generous financial help to allow a new 18-month season to start straight away.

Mr Harwood commented:

“I was delighted to visit the Tuesday’s Tonic project at the Keswick Museum recently which was a truly heartwarming experience to see the stimulation and enjoyment all those attending get out of these sessions. The team behind this initiative, led by Jenn Bell, are truly inspirational and deserve our support for the benefit they give to improve the lives of those in need within our local community.”

Jenn is supported by a small and dedicated team of museum volunteers – Jean, Eileen, Sue and Georgie.

“Each one of the ladies brings a different energy and personality to the group, which is wonderful. They are so helpful, particularly at the start of the session when everyone is gasping for a brew and a nice slice of cake! The volunteers benefit from the sessions in different ways – for one, it’s about giving something back to the community, for another it’s company. One particularly enjoys the singing and dancing, and our final volunteer enjoys baking and will bring homemade cake to the group, which has been made with the same love and care she offers participants.”

Anyone wishing to join Tuesday’s Tonic should contact the museum on 017687 73263.

You can find out more about Keswick Museum events here.