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Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund Celebrates the Success of ‘Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today’ Project

 

Halesworth, Suffolk – March 2025 – Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund is proud to announce the successful completion of its transformative reminiscence project, ‘Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today’, which has provided vital support to people living with dementia and their carers.

 

The project, which ran for 8 weeks, saw 13 participants—7 individuals living with dementia and 5 family carers—come together each Saturday at the Pear Tree Centre in Halesworth. Over three hours each week, participants explored and rediscovered their past lives through laughter, music, play, and conversation, creating cherished memory books to treasure at home.

 

“We are thrilled with the impact that ‘Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today’ has had on both the participants and the facilitators,” said Nicky Kelly, Vice Chair of Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund. “This project has not only promoted positive well-being and social inclusion but has also helped foster a strong sense of community and shared understanding between people living with dementia and their carers.”

 

The sessions were led by five trained facilitators, with additional support from two volunteers. Together, they guided the participants in exploring their memories and creating a lasting record of their lives. The project was made possible thanks to the generosity of The Pear Tree Fund, which donated the use of their space for the sessions.

 

Quotes from participants reveal the deep impact of the project:

• “That I am not alone,” – Participant with dementia

• “We were strangers when we met, and now it feels like family,” – Carer

• “I am staggered at the lives of other people – so interesting. Loved hearing their life stories,” – Carer

• “It has been a privilege to be part of such an incredible project. Every week was so different and inspiring. I would love to be involved in any future projects,” – Facilitator

 

The ‘Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today’ project is affiliated with the European Reminiscence Network, founded by Pam Schweitzer, and has been designed to provide individuals living with dementia an opportunity to engage with their past in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

 

“We are extremely grateful to The Pear Tree Fund for donating their space to us, which has allowed us to run this important project,” added Nicky Kelly. “The success of this project is a testament to the power of reminiscence in improving the lives of those living with dementia and supporting their carers.”

 

For more information about Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund and future projects, please visit https://www.halesworthdementia.co.uk/

 

For more information about the project, see https://rememberingyesterdaycaringtoday.uk

 

About Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund
Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by dementia and their carers through practical support, education, and social inclusion initiatives.

About the European Reminiscence Network
Founded by Pam Schweitzer, the European Reminiscence Network promotes the use of reminiscence activities to improve the lives of people living with dementia by helping them reconnect with their past.