LIBRARIES across Worcestershire, including Kidderminster, have launched a ‘Memories and Me’ Project to support people living with dementia.
The scheme is designed to support both people living with dementia and their carers.
It features Memory Bags that encourage conversation, bring back cherished memories and allow meaningful time to be spent together.
Each Memory Bag has a different theme, such as sports, childhood, travel, gardening, pets, or music.
They also contain books, puzzles, games, and sensory objects to explore. These carefully chosen items help spark memories and meaningful interactions.
Louisa Ackling, library development and engagement manager, said: “Dementia affects not just individuals but entire families, making support and connection more important than ever.
“Through the Memories and Me project, Worcestershire’s libraries are providing a valuable resource to encourage conversations, rekindle memories, and bring moments of joy.
“We hope these Memory Bags offer comfort and meaningful engagement to those who need them most.”
Memory Bags are available for loan to carers and family members through Worcestershire’s libraries for free.
They can be reserved online or collected from the library itself.
All library staff have been trained through the Alzheimer’s Society ‘Dementia Friends’ programme. They are ready to support people living with dementia as well as carers or family members to find the right library resources or activities for them.
The Memories and Me project has been funded by The National Lottery through Arts Council England, supporting libraries’ commitment to being dementia-friendly spaces and providing resources to improve the wellbeing of individuals living with dementia.
Visit: worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/worcestershire-libraries/memories-and-me for more information on the Memory Bags and to reserve them.
