Dementia community creates artwork to spark local eco awareness

Residents at Newstone House in Sturminster Newton have turned their concern for the environment into a creative call to action, producing a striking ocean-themed collage made entirely from recycled materials.

Led by the dementia community at the care home, the project was developed with the support of Companions.

The residents worked together to create the artwork using everyday items that might otherwise have ended up in landfill — or worse, in the ocean. The base of the collage was formed from repurposed advertising posters, with additional elements sourced from discarded plastics and packaging.

The piece not only showcases the artistic talents of the residents but also sends a powerful message about ocean pollution and modern wastefulness.

“There was real passion behind this project,” said Companion Marianne Blackhall. “Many of our residents feel strongly about the damage being done to our environment, and this gave them a meaningful way to express that. The conversations we had around waste, recycling, and caring for the oceans were just as important as the artwork itself.”

Throughout the creative process, residents shared memories of the seaside and voiced concerns about the growing presence of plastic waste in natural spaces. The result is a vibrant, thought-provoking piece that aims to inspire others to make small, positive changes.

Newstone House hopes the collage will prompt reflection on individual responsibility and the importance of keeping the seas clean for future generations.