Reminiscence Learning

Delivering a wide variety of themed activities which address individual need, and using the vast library of resources already available – for example

• reminiscence sessions
• art and craft
• music and memories
• armchair travel
• seasonal sessions
• feasts and festivals
• fitness and fun
• gardening
• cooking
• relaxation games

Partnership working has allowed the service to provide counselling for carers and other complimentary therapies and treatments.

Find out more on the Reminiscence Learning website

Reveal Productions

A social and community theatre working as an agent for change.

This is a project that supports carers to share their stories through film – to promote the need for meaningful and accessible respite for carers.

The film is also promoted as a training resource aimed at professionals engaging with family carers.

Find out more on the Reveal Productions website

Spark Somerset

Spark Somerset is a charity providing practical support to the voluntary sector across Somerset.

They work with small organisations across the county to support them to develop sustainability plans, improve their accessibility, train their staff, develop links with local communities and provide better provision for people living with dementia and their carers.

Find out more on the Spark Somerset website

The FILO Project

The FILO Project provides high quality day care in an intimate home setting.

They deliver engaging activities to small groups of up to 4 people with moderate dementia –  based in peoples living rooms.

Activities are person-centred and bespoke, depending on the interests of the individuals attending.

Transport is provided to make sure that everyone can get to the ‘host’s’ living room for the day.

The project improves social connectedness for people who have become isolated and have lost their confidence due to memory problems.

Find out more on the FILO Project website

The FrogLife Trust

The FrogLife Trust is a wildlife conservation charity.

The Green Pathways For Life aims to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers, through conservation activities – helping people connect with nature.

Activities include

• Wildlife gardening
• Bird box building
• Pond hibernacula or bog garden creation
• Pond dipping
• Wildlife Photography
• Butterfly and bee observation
• Willow weaving
• Bird feeding and identification
• Tree bark rubbings
• Stories

Find out more on the FrogLife Trust website

Heads Up

Heads Up is a mental health charity based in Wells. They deliver Memories Workshops for 5 hours a day, 2 days a week.

Sessions include

• Woodwork – with a trained instructor
• Pottery – focusing on creativity, dexterity and joint movement
• Chair Yoga and Tai Chi – with a focus on meditation, relaxation balance and agility
• Cookery – focusing on senses, touch and smell and sharing memories related to cooking and food

Find out more on the Somerset Carers website

Creative Innovation Centre

Creative Innovation Centre is a Community Interest Company, and a proactive and engaging arts and cultural centre.

They deliver daytime arts programmes, including specialist (10-week) art courses and Reminiscence Jazz Tea Dances led by Masters Of Fine Art and well known and respected jazz musicians.

The service is managed and supported by a team of professional staff and volunteers, allowing for carer respite.

Find out more on the Creative Innovation Centre website

The Reader Project

The Reader Project is a wellbeing charity supporting people a love for reading.

The Feel Better with a Book Project work in partnership with a range of dementia and mental health charities to deliver engaging and enjoyable joint reading sessions for people with dementia and their carers.

The funding is being used to create a shared reading hub in Taunton Library to make this project more accessible.

The W.H.E.R.E Centre

The W.H.E.R.E Centre is a charity supporting isolated adults to help them connect with other people.

They deliver group sessions 5 days a week, supporting people in activities – including arts and crafts, with an emphasis on relationship building.

Transport and lunch are provided, which has improved accessibility and made life easier for carers.

Wincanton Dementia Cafe

Wincanton Dementia Cafe is a social gathering place for people with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimers or other dementia, and their family and friends.

There is a monthly programme of activities including, talks, quizzes, crafts and music to provide stimulation and socialisation.

The space is safe and welcoming with access to information and support.

Magdalen Farm

The Magdalen Environmental Trust, based in Winsham, near Chard, offers once-a-week sessions for adults with dementia and their carers on their organic farm, with activities ranging from cookery and jam-making to polytunnel horticulture, and meeting and feeding the animals.

Find out more on the Magdalen Farm website

Ark at Egwood

Ark at Egwood provide activities which are predominantly based on nature and the land, because the therapeutic use of outside spaces and animals has been proven to positively impact in helping restore wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem with people of all ages.

Activities may include

• horticulture and  gardening
• hedge-laying
• cooking
• baking
• singing
• music
• creative crafts
• art activities
• knitting or needlecraft
• animal husbandry
• word games
• item identification
• practice in the use of money
• group discussion

Basically, whatever suits you.

Find out more on the Ark at Egwood website

Take Art

The Our Turn Project at Take Art is a 2-year programme of creative daytime activities that provide dance and wordplay sessions to support people with memory loss or dementia and their carers.

Find out more on the Take Art website

Find Your Voice

The Find Your Voice Momentum project brings together people living with dementia and their carers and support them in music and movement group work across a 10-week course.

There is an emphasis on using your voice, taking up space, being loud and expressing yourself.

The funding will cover 39 10-week-courses across Somerset.

Age UK

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in Somerset.

This is the very first CST programme facilitated by a charity in the UK.

Participants will be led by 2 qualified, CST-trained Age UK Somerset practitioners.

Not only will participants benefit from the programme, but carers will be able to benefit from 4 to 6 hours a week ‘free time’.

Find out more on the Age UK Somerset website