Living Memories C.I.C. is a non-profit community organisation. It provides resources and services that help to reduce the isolation and improve the health and wellbeing of older people, particularly those living with dementia, which is now a priority in our communities across the UK.
Background
Following years of self-funded practical research Living Memories C.I.C., a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Devon, UK, is now using over 2,600 archive film programmes and newsreels from the 20th century from major UK national film archive collections, to create award winning audio-visual reminiscence resources and services for use across the UK and beyond.
These audio-visual resources and services are being used to help older people, including those living with dementia, to trigger memories which encourage their communication with family, friends and neighbours.
We are currently using our archive films and newsreels for:
- Online Streaming – Developing our Living Memories Online archive film streaming service for archive films and reminiscence resources on a subscription basis for delivery to tablets, mobile phones and other devices and casting to TV. The service can be used privately at home as well as in Memory Cafes, care and residential homes, hospitals, Community Health & Wellbeing Hubs, church and community groups, retirement communities, schools and other locations.
- DVDs with Reminiscence Guides – Creating and publishing an ongoing series of topic-based DVDs, each with a 30+ page Reminiscence Guide, which can be used one-to-one or with groups to run reminiscence sessions or just to stimulate chats about the difference between life today and in the mid-20th Many older people will use DVDs, but not the internet, so our award-winning DVDs are ideal for them.
- Tea & Memories Community Groups—We are Encouraging the formation of our award-winning Tea & Memory community reminiscence groups, at which older people meet regularly to watch several archive films and then chat over tea, coffee, and biscuits about the memories triggered by the films. The social impact of the groups is proving to be very positive, and we are working closely with the NHS Social Prescribing Nurses, who refer patients to our Groups.
- Tea & Memories @ Home – We are piloting the training and support of Memory Buddies with digital tablets who, liaising with their local NHS Social Prescribing Nurses, visit and share memories with older people who cannot leave their homes due to disabilities.