Reminiscence sessions for people living with Dementia

Does someone you know have mild dementia?

If you're caring for someone with mild dementia, you'll know how precious memory sharing is. Join the Back in Time team for a friendly and informal session designed to spark memory sharing. One of the historic rooms at the Back to Backs is brought to life with lamplight and objects from the past which are used facilitate conversations.

Who are the Back to Backs reminiscence sessions for?

The Back in Time Reminiscence sessions are for people living with mild dementia and their friends, family or carers. The sessions are designed to allow the person living with dementia to look back on their memories, along with a companion. Step-free access is available for those with mobility impairments and chairs are also available throughout.

What are reminiscence sessions?

Reminiscence sessions at the Back to Backs are roughly 90 minutes long. Guests are welcomed to the Back to Backs and taken to one of our historic rooms. In a small group, guests sit around a table and chat about objects from the past using things like old photographs, music, toys and household objects to start informal conversations. Members of the team share their own memories relating to objects too, which can act as a trigger for guests to share stories which may have been hidden.

Where do the sessions happen?

Face-to-face

Face-to-face reminiscence sessions by the volunteer team at the Back to Backs take place at 61 Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4TE. Enter through the second-hand bookshop.

Outreach

The team also offer Outreach sessions for groups supporting people living with dementia in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. This could be at a local memory cafe, place of worship or other community group.

Is there a charge for any of the sessions?

No, Reminiscence sessions are run by a group of passionate volunteers and are free of charge for guests and carers. We do ask for a suggested donation for outreach session.

When do the sessions happen and how do I book?

The face-to-face reminiscence session at the Back to Backs take place on a Monday, once per month. There are two sessions to choose from, a morning session starting at 11am and afternoon session starting at 2pm.

Below are the dates for 2026:

• There is no session in January

• Monday 9th February

• Monday 2nd March

• Monday 13th April

• Monday 11th May

• Monday 1st June

• Monday 6th July

• There is no session in August

• Monday 7th September

• Monday 5th October

• Monday 2nd November

• Monday 7th December

You can book your free place by emailing us at backintime@nationaltrust.org.uk.

If you're interested in booking an Outreach session for your memory café or group, please email backintime@nationaltrust.org.uk