Reminiscence sessions for people with Dementia
Join a reminiscence session with the award-winning Back in Time volunteer team from the Birmingham Back to Backs. The team provide both face-to-face and digital sessions, designed to spark the sharing of precious memories in those living with mild 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 theirmemories, along with a companion. Step-free access is available for those with mobility impairments and chairs are also available throughout.
When booking your tickets, you only need to book a ticket for the person living with dementia; as that person’s relative, companion or carer you then also attend but do not need to book a ticket. Each session has three spaces available to book for three people living with dementia.
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 then taken to one of our historic rooms, where they sit around a table and chat about objects from the past. We use things like old photographs, music, toys and household objects to start informal conversations. Members of the team share their own memories relating to objects, 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.
Online
For those who are unable to leave their homes, we also offer reminiscence sessions over Zoom. These were developed during the pandemic and are personalised to the guest. We take one guest with their carer per session, and the more information we have beforehand, the more the session can be tailored towards the guests life experiences.
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 happens once a month on a Monday. You can book your free place and check availability through our website here, by emailing us at backintime@nationaltrust.org.uk or calling 0121 622 2442.
If you're interested in booking an Outreach session for your memory café or group please email backintime@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Online sessions are also on an ad-hoc basis as and when they're needed, please get in touch if you'd like to book or learn more, by email us at backintime@nationaltrust.org.uk.