Last chance to enter funded travelling fellowships in Arts and Older People
In 2015 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust is investing £1.2million in British citizens, by awarding a record number of 150 Travelling Fellowships, in order to mark its 50th anniversary.
This will directly support British citizens who want to travel overseas to gain knowledge, experience and best practice to benefit others in their UK professions and communities, and society as a whole.
As part of this, there are a final 10 Travelling Fellowships in the Arts and Older People / Creative Ageing category. Although there is still time to apply, the application process for travel in 2015 closes on 23rd September at 5pm.
Those working in health services, for local authorities or in care homes; and those in arts or cultural organisations, are encouraged to apply.
The Trust are interested in people who are providing community activities and opportunities for older people, covering creativity and person-centred care in all aspects of music, dance, drama and fine arts. They are also interested in projects that are aimed at the training of care staff.
This is the fourth and final year of a joint ‘Arts and Older People / Creative Ageing’ partnership with The Baring Foundation, a funding body supporting organisations who work in this field.
The collaboration highlights the belief that the arts can play a unique role in older people’s lives, including those with dementia, and the contribution that the arts make to improve society.
It is well known that the UK has an ageing population. There are now more people of a pensionable age than are under 16. Life expectancy figures for people in the UK now stand at 82.6 years for women, and 78.7 years for men.
Amongst those awarded and travelling this year, in this category, is Nicky Taylor – a community development officer from Otley, West Yorkshire, travelling to Australasia and North America to investigate the role of theatre in connecting families and communities affected by dementia.
Successful applicants must demonstrate the commitment, the character and the tenacity to travel globally in pursuit of new and better ways of tackling a wide range of current challenges facing the UK, and upon their return work to transform and improve aspects of today’s society.
A travelling sabbatical for people with the drive, determination and desire to help others, can further their leadership and role model abilities.
Employers often also see great benefits with employees returning with new knowledge, skills and ideas to share with others within the organisation.
Applications are judged purely on project merit, and these opportunities are available to UK residents over the age of 18, of any ethnicity, religion, or gender.
Successful applicants will receive an average Fellowship grant of over £6000, covering return airfare, daily living costs, insurance and travel within the countries being visited, for approximately 6 weeks overseas.
Anyone interested in applying who would like further information and clarity regarding the application process can listen to a recent webinar on: http://youtu.be/UdZMJbTunrE
To apply online, visit: http://www.wcmt.org.uk/applications/apply-online-for-a-2015-winston-churchill-fellowship.html
