Culture Box
National  

Culture Box was created in response to the impacts of the pandemic and sought to alleviate some of the negative impacts on people living with dementia, particularly the rates of social isolation and loneliness that were heightened due to the lack of visits and confinement.  The project designed and distributed Culture Boxes containing pandemic guidance and creative activities to people with dementia in care homes, with a particular focus on the inclusion of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  These were sent via post and digitally via the project website. 

The project used Participatory Action Research (PAR) to assess the process and impact of the Culture Box, using mostly qualitative but some quantitative data for collection and analysis.  PAR uses a cyclical model in four phases:  planning, action, evaluation and reflection. 

The project used elements of co-design, with engagement from people with dementia, care home staff, members of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, public health experts and creative practitioners. This was a feature of the planning phase, for example when designing logos and materials for possible inclusion.  As the project was iterative, regular feedback from participants collected via surveys, photos and video, this information shaped and informed the ongoing design processes. 

The project used Participatory Action Research (PAR) to assess the process and impact of the Culture Box, using mostly qualitative but some quantitative data for collection and analysis.