For the last forty years, I have been fascinated by the process of reminiscence and its therapeutic and artistic effect.

My background is in theatre and I have learned how well the stories collected from older people can be made into plays. These plays stir the memories of the audience. 

I was initially unsure about recording memories of people with dementia. How could we create a level playing-field in which they could feel relaxed and confident to join in?

I found individuals and groups who were keen to explore how best to support people with dementia in their own countries. 

In the 1990s I founded a partnership of arts and dementia workers called the European Reminiscence Network. It is still running as a network of friends and practitioners and our special project is called “Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today.”

Together we created a programme of reminiscence sessions  in which people with dementia and their family carers could attend together and meet other families in similar situations.

Our hope was that by stimulating memories of a lifetime through music, dance, drawing and improvisation, we would re-awaken their sense of self. 

Watching people who were often withdrawn come awake and shine makes this a very rewarding undertaking.  I am so happy to be working with Pippa and Rachel  again and hope everyone has a great time on the project.

My husband was diagnosed with dementia five years ago, so my interest in this project is personal. Dementia is a cruel disease that robs us of our memories and sense of self, and I want to help sufferers and their carers to recover those memories and celebrate their lives. What I love about this project is that it uses some of my favourite things: play, art, music, and drama; and I am sure that, whatever else, we shall have fun.

Like many, I’ve witnessed dementia in friends. My interest is in identity and memory, and how the two are linked or dependent on each other. I also enjoy dressing up, and I know I’m going to be stimulated working with Pippa Guard and Pam on this project. It is a pleasure to work with Kevin, with his broad range of experience and knowledge, and I’m grateful for him bringing this project together.

Kally Davidson

I am a curious explorer of nature’s art, an Artist and enthusiastic experi-mentor.  I have nearly four decades of experience in council, private, live-in, community and personal social care, facilitating people of all ages to find their uninhibited creative flow.  In 2015 I helped devise and run intergenerational textile and puppet workshops, facilitating adults living with dementia and local primary school children.  Reminiscing, chatting, playing and crafting together, we wholesomely sung and spun yarns both literally and metaphorically.

I first became interested in using reminiscence to support people with dementia and their carers in 2005/06 when I witnessed the pioneering work of an early Memory Club at St Andrews’s Church in Gorleston, Norfolk. Like Rachel, I’m also fascinated by identify and memory. I have spent over a decade in roles within health and social care supporting people with dementia and their carers. This project brings together people with a wealth of experience to deliver an innovative evidence-based programme. Looking forward to much fun and laughter.

Lesley Kingham

I’m interested in family stories and how they become adapted and woven into personal memories which help us develop a rich sense of who we are.

A family member was, a few years ago,  diagnosed with dementia.

For them, reminiscing about significant events in their life brought them comfort, and often laughter.

I’m excited to be part of RYCT project and looking forward to learning from everyone.

I am both honoured and excited to take part in this RYCT project. With a background in nursing, palliative care, and a rich experience living abroad in Nepal, I have seen how important it is to preserve one’s identity, especially in the face of life’s challenges, such as dementia. Like Pippa, I am really looking forward to using play, art, music and drama to creatively express and re-create memories that have shaped people into the individuals they are. I really look forward to hearing people’s life stories.

I am really excited to be involved with this amazing project! My background is in medicine, music and creative arts. Through all of these different perspectives, my interest is in the importance of identity as we travel life’s twists and turns has been ignited. I have volunteered with the Elders wellbeing in the woods sessions over the past 2 years and witnessed first-hand the benefits of belonging to that community. Shared experiences knit us together and remind us we are not alone. I’m looking forward to seeing what emerges as we experience RYCT together!