Dementia nurses have taken part in a Q&A session with children from a school in Houghton.
Admiral nurses at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust Moira Bray and Meena Sarangapani visited the school to talk to the pupils and answer their questions.
Artists Susie Tate and Ali McCaw, along with puppets The Major and Winnie, were also present, as they are part of the project.
The visit is part of the children's art project, Unfold the Untold, wherein they develop a book and relevant resources with patients from Beech C and Elm C wards at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle - some of whom are diagnosed with dementia.
Ms Bray, who has 24 years of experience in the NHS, said: "We look after people who come into hospital with a diagnosis of dementia and help them and their families with everything they need.
"Nurses from other wards often ring us for advice.
“We spend most of the day chatting to patients and their families. It is very interesting to hear the patients’ stories when we talk to them.
“Being a nurse is a privilege and I feel I am very lucky to do it. I get to look after people and make their stay in hospital better. I get to meet some lovely people.”
In response to a pupil's question on the difficulty of working with dementia patients, Ms Bray said: "It can be but it’s also very rewarding."
Ms Sarangapani, who has been an admiral nurse for two of her 18 years of nursing, shared that dementia patients appreciate simple activities such as talking, puzzle-solving, or singing and dancing.
She expressed immense satisfaction from her work, going home pleased knowing she has contributed positively to someone's day.
She said: "I enjoy being with people. I am always with somebody."
Houghton CE Primary School’s Year 6 teacher, Michelle Gate, said: “The session and the art project are great for the children because it gives them a link with the outside world.
"They see themselves as artists and they love working with the hospital. They feel they are helping to brighten someone’s day. It really is a lovely project to be involved with.”
Unfold The Untold is an Arts Council England funded initiative that explores the potential of creative activities to boost wellbeing and unify diverse communities through shared story telling.
The project enables intergenerational conversations, and culminates into an illustrated storybook that serves as a resource pack.
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