The Living Well with Dementia Project

The Living Well with Dementia Project in Hebburn stepped back in time at Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, to help its members recall old memories and make new ones with their families.

The group took its members to Beamish for a tailored afternoon of activities, including baking and singing, to enable them to reminisce and enjoy quality time with their carers.

The community organisation supports families and individuals and runs specialist stimulating activities to engage and bring pleasure to those living with dementia.

Maureen Cairns, Community Librarian, said: “As a group we were delighted to win the grant as it enabled us to make the wishes of our members become possibilities.

“Thanks to the Venator Together Fund we’ve been able to book for our members to visit the cottage at Beamish along with their carers. They enjoyed an afternoon of activities to help stimulate memories and to achieve something they may not have thought possible due to the constraints placed on them because of their illness.

“This kind of experience for our group is greatly beneficial. It’s a new experience in a safe environment with friendly faces. We have several husband and wife couples who attend the group and opportunities like this enable them to have a shared experience they both enjoy.”