full evaluation of the synergy project as part the pilot series of sessions, funded by the Arts Council England, the synergy project has been independently evaluated by Dr. Rose Fuhrmann (PhD, MA, MRSS T) click here to download a pdf of the full evaluation (700kb, 58 pages) summary of evaluation synergy was run as a pilot study to explore how artistic expression could help workshop participants to explore their experiences and feelings on a deeper level and thus release physical and mental tensions and blockages. the concept was based on findings of previous research in the field of dance and movement as well as group work. The working hypothesis was that the human body is able to disentangle even the deepest of feelings by using creative tools.  the original proposal had included dance, song and drawing, but the latter had to be dropped due to organisational issues. Thus the pilot study used Afro-Brazilian Dance and Jewish Niggunim (songs without words) only. both art forms are rooted in spiritual traditions and consequently live through and for a community, working with group dynamics and generating psychological group support for the group members. In other words, they are by definition geared at providing a basis for the study of group interaction and how it could be used to unravel, and maybe transform, patterns of behaviour, beliefs, relationships, and emotional states.   Looking at it from this angle, the loss of the drawing seems almost consequential. based on the recognition that our society is in a progressive state of fragmentation, ‘community’ in the wider sense of the word has recently received a lot of attention, not just from academia, but also from politicians, the public and the voluntary sector. by choosing to address its workshops to a number of different social groups/communities this pilot study aimed to make a contribution to the ongoing research in the field by looking into to aspects: firstly, how the work could be used for building and working with groups in the first place. Secondly, how the safety, support and stimulation provided by an established group could be used to support the individuals in their venture of self-exploration and to take them further into the process than would be possible without this support. the pilot study has achieved a lot in a relatively short time. feedback from participants of all groups was very positive. They liked the work and they rated the quality of the delivery of the work very highly. Their feedback also shows that the work improved their physical, mental and emotional self-awareness and had a noticeable effect on their well-being. Group observation gave evidence that there were changes in attitude towards self and others. Consequently, group building and group interaction was found to improve as the work went on, even though the circumstances proved to be less conducive than anticipated. this point is where the most development needs to occur to gain best results with respect to research into group interaction. The team agreed that one important precondition for the evaluation of outcome was continuity of participation and sufficient group size. Future projects will have to explore how this can be achieved and how existing information about the group background and the participants’ needs may be used to develop strategies to procure standardised feedback. however, the work itself does not depend on such a rigid framework to benefit a wider clientele. The workshop leaders have shown that their artistic traditions can provide valuable experience with respect to self-awareness and self-development. there is evidence that the work helped to improve well-being and health, self-confidence and social interaction. They have proven that the work can be adapted to the needs of a very diverse range of client groups and that they are able respond appropriately and effectively in the spot, as it where. they have made plausible their claim that inclusion can be improved by using activities based on non-verbal communication, because it helps to circumvent cultural and social stereotyping and compensate for language, speech and other communication problems.  ADD URLS Articles and books Alive and Kicking The carers guide to exercises for older people, Julie Sobczak, Age Concern Books Invitation to the dance: dance for people with dementia and their carers – a practical illustrated book with suggestions for approaches, props and music, Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling, 2002 Music, Movement, Mind and Body An exercise programme for dementia patients, Bridget Watson – an illustrated book and accompanying music tape, Winslow Press Promoting Mobility with People with Dementia, Rosemary Oddy, Age Concern Books The Arts and Older People – a practical introduction, Fi Frances, Age Concern England Using music, photography and storytelling in elderly care settings Extracts from a resource pack for staff and carers written by Ingrid Hesling, Nicola Grove and Paul Sartin produced by Sedgmoor District Council ©Grove, Hesling, Sartin 2006 Well Being in Dementia: An Occupational Approach for Therapists and Carers by Tessa Perrin and Hazel May, Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 0-443-06132-7 You Can Do It Exercises for Older People, Margaret Ruddlesden, Hawker Publications