Issue details

Train to Reminisce - The project will design a reminiscence-training programme with defined course objectives, outcomes, and content and delivery methods for use by volunteers working with lonely elderly clients. To support the training, the project will develop training resources (manuals, DVDs) and provide props. The Councillor grant will be used to purchase training equipment.

Loneliness significantly affects the health and wellbeing of the elderly, hence the main beneficiaries are older people aged 55+ who are clients of care settings, dementia cafes and community groups.

The main objective of the funding is to enhance delivery of the reminiscence service in the New Romney Marsh area through the provision of training and resources for community groups, dementia cafes, and volunteers and care setting staff so they can deliver reminiscence sessions to older clients.

The skills gained and the resources will enable staff and volunteers to offer enjoyable reminiscence sessions with good content, props, musical aids and activities that stimulate clients. We will develop a training course kitted with teaching resources including, guides, workbooks and DVDs to support community groups, dementia café’s to set-up their own reminiscence programmes.

The project is a pilot; the evaluation will provide valuable feedback for improving the course offer and for scaling-up.

The number of people currently accessing the service is 450. The project target is to train 30 volunteers so we can double the number of beneficiaries; the training will be particularly useful to community groups and care settings supporting people living with dementia.