Dementia support group test out new Shared Memory Bags at launch
Members of Oswestry’s Trailblazers group had the opportunity last week (Friday 8 March 2019) to try out the newly-launched Shared Memory Bags from Shropshire Council’s library service.
Oswestry Library staff were at hand to demonstrate the Memory Bags with the group, who support people diagnosed with dementia, during their weekly catch up at the Whole Life Centre in Oswestry.
Memory bags launch
The event marked the launch of the new memory bags produced by the library service in partnership with Qube in Oswestry, as part of Qube’s Musical Befriending project.
The two new memory bags themed “Music in Early Life” and “Music in Adult Life” contain high-quality resources which provide opportunities to spark conversations about the music in people’s lives.
Memory bags launch
Memory Bags are portable, themed reminiscence resources for use in the home or in group/care settings by those living with dementia and their carers. Each themed bag generally contains a Pictures to Share book, related reminiscence objects to encourage sensory participation, and a ‘Conversation Starter’ guide to each page of the book or themed pack. The guide provides prompts for memories, including pictures, song lyrics, poetry and quotes.
Heather Rodenhurst, team librarian, said:-
“We’ve been delighted to work with Qube on these new memory bags. From nursery rhyme recollections, instruments, and first records through to the sounds all around us, there are related objects and conversation prompts in the bags to bring people together in musical enjoyment. For the library service, the bags will form a valuable addition to the growing collection of free, loanable memory resources designed to bring pleasure, lifted spirits and a sense of connection to all who use them.”
Heather Rodenhurst, team librarian, with the new memory bags
There are currently 20 Shared Memory Bags available in libraries across Shropshire. An additional eight, including the two launched last week, will be rolled out soon. The Memory Bags are unique in Shropshire in that they can be borrowed on a Shropshire Libraries card, free of charge, for up to four weeks at a time.
Lezley Picton Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, communications and waste, said:-
“Shropshire Libraries already offer a range of dementia-friendly services, such as Books on Prescription for Dementia. There is high demand for their existing loanable Shared Memories resources, and it is heartening to know that the scheme continues to grow and develop to allow more Shropshire residents and group members to benefit from the positive effects of reminiscence.”
For more information, contact libraries@shropshire.gov.uk.
You can find out more about our Memory Bag scheme at http://shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/groups-and-support/health-and-wellbeing/shared-memory-bags
Further information
Trailblazers is a support group for anyone recently diagnosed with dementia. The group meet weekly at the Whole Life Centre in Oswestry.
About Shropshire’s Shared Memory Bag Scheme
Shropshire’s Shared Memory Bag scheme is one of several services Shropshire libraries offer to people living with Dementia and their carers.
The Memory Bags are portable, themed reminiscence resources for use in the home or in group/care settings by those living with dementia and their carers
Each themed bag generally contains a Pictures to Share book, related reminiscence objects to encourage sensory participation, and a ‘Conversation Starter’ guide to each page of the book or themed pack. The guide provides prompts for memories, including pictures, song lyrics, poetry and quotes.
There are currently 20 Shared Memory Bags available in libraries across Shropshire. Themes include:
The Seaside,
Pocket Money
Time for Tea
Football
School Days
Travelling
World of Work
Childhood
Sporting Life
Pets
Proverbs & Sayings,
Spending Time Outside
Shopping
Spending Time Indoors.
The eight additional new bags will cover the following themes: In the Garden, Funny Old World, Countryside, Family Life, Strength for the Journey (faith-based), Music in Early Life, Music in Adult Life, and Land of My Fathers (bilingual Welsh/English).
