Parson Cross Forum - Memory Cafe

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take our NEW reminiscence box into the memory café at Parson Cross Forum to try it out on some fabulous ladies and gents who go along.

I only brought a few of the toys out and conversation started flowing, with lots of laughter. The greatest hits were Punch and Judy (not sure if it is PC to call them that anymore due to their references to domestic violence!), the drum and some of the old wooden games.

We challenged people to an egg and spoon race. A wonderful 92 year lady beat everyone hands down!

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It helped me to see again that play is timeless. There is an innate part of being human that wants to explore and create. Also, to interact with others and the world around us playfully. It's what make my job such a joy to do. It's a real privilege to be able to work with people with memory problems to bring fun and build community.

I have designed the new box especially for intergenerational reminiscence, as someone from a school had asked if they could use the collection with the children. The collection of ten themes is specifically for care homes due to the lack of resources there. They are deliberately not for schools, as the museums in Sheffield have made provision for children but haven't had the funding to do this for people with dementia...

But those who know me, will know I am passionate about intergenerational learning. With this in mind I have made a box up that schools can use but only if they are doing an intergenerational session with grandparents or a care setting.

This is the exciting NEW box...

It has been bought in memory of a special lady called Edna Atkinson who passed away two months ago. She was passionate about supporting Children's work and in the last few years was living with dementia. It will be used exclusively for intergenerational work and is based at the Montgomery Theatre with the rest of the collection.

As you can see it contains elements from all the others but with a focus on toys and play. It will be available to borrow in a weeks time. If you do use it, i'd love to hear feedback on the memories it evokes and children's interactions. Do get in touch :)

Parsons Cross Forum Memory Cafe and NEW Reminiscence Collection

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