Reminisce
Recall
Relive
with Kath Reynolds
REMINISCENCE SESSIONS
"Reminisce, Recall, Relive" is a series of interactive reminiscence sessions designed to stimulate discussion, and offer the opportunity to share experiences and recall treasured memories. Developed specifically to deliver in care settings, care is taken to ensure that all group members have the chance to participate in a way best suited to themselves. I endeavour to always make the reminiscence experience multi-sensory and use music and smells to help evoke memories.
Reaffirming and validating life experiences; these sessions bring back positive memories of the past and give residents an opportunity to bond and enjoy recalling common experiences.
Reminiscence provides the vital link between a person's past, present and future whilst encouraging socialising to develop new relationships and sometimes changing the nature of existing relationships. It builds self worth and establishes a sense of identity whilst also preserving elements of our common cultural heritage. Participating in reminiscence is an enjoyable experience and can give older people a renewed sense of achievement and purpose.
I always respect the confidentiality of my reminiscers and, although I share the stories, they are anonymised.
Groups
Small group reminiscence sessions should ideally be with around 12 people and should always have a member of staff present.
I always chat to each participant individually at the end of each session to listen to and reaffirm their unique memories.
Talks which are still interactive, can be delivered to larger groups if required.
Space
I can adapt to most spaces for delivery but a medium sized room with a good-sized table and access to power is essential.
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Space for a projector screen is needed for most talks…however I am happy to project on to a plain white wall where that is easier.
If you have a TV with HDMI then I am happy to link in to that.
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Seating should be arranged so that everyone can see both me and the screen.
It was different in my day!
Bringing back memories of matinee jackets, terry nappies and flannelette nighties...we will talk about where baby was born, formula milk, prams and lots more!
Format: PowerPoint presentation with interactive discussion
Duration: Approx. one hour
Interactive reminiscence session on the theme of doing the washing.
Take a step back in time and recall the sweat (and tears) of washdays in the early-mid 20th Century. We will look at the copper boiler, dolly tub and the glorious twin tub! Experience the aromas and feel of washday.
Format: Group discussion / PowerPoint presentation
Duration: Approx. one hour.
An interactive PowerPoint presentation looking at the advent, and impact, of convenience foods in our diet. From fish fingers to Angel Delight, Camp coffee to Chianti in a basket, Spam to salmon paste - all the things we have loved... and some of those we have hated! Opportunities to handle packaging and sample a sweetie or two...
Format: PowerPoint presentation
Duration: Approx. one hour
Can we afford the doctor? Of course not! A fun trip down memory lane to pre-NHS days and the kitchen cupboard remedies inflicted by our nearest and dearest! Honey, salt, onions, mustard...not to forget the snails, urine, string and cow muck!
Format: Two sessions
Duration: Approx. 45 mins each
Session One: Looking at our proverbs and sayings and the community healthcare of the past.
Session Two: Curing a few common ailments with our kitchen cupboard remedies.
An interactive schooldays reminiscence session recalling the highlights of the "best days of our lives" - uniforms, books and poems, times tables, inkwells!
Format: PowerPoint presentation / Group discussion
Duration: Approx. one hour
Royal reminiscences from the last 100 years. From Queen Victoria to Princess Charlotte, we look at the different royals and talk about our shared and personal memories. Participants are encouraged to bring along any royal memorabilia to discuss with our group.
Format: PowerPoint presentation with discussion
Duration: Approx. one hour
Recall the wartime ways of ensuring families were fed and clothed in times of shortage. Look at daily rations and how people eked them out. Share some favourite recipes. Were you a second hand Rose? Were your shoes "cobbled" with cardboard? Were you a clippie mat (rag rug) queen?
Format: Interactive Session / PowerPoint presentation
Duration: Approx. 40-60 mins
*Image by kind permission of Sid Kirkham and the ArtBay Gallery.
Recall the wartime ways of ensuring families were fed and clothed in times of shortage. Look at daily rations and how people eked them out. Share some favourite recipes. Were you a second hand Rose? Were your shoes "cobbled" with cardboard? Were you a clippie mat (rag rug) queen?
Format: Interactive Session / PowerPoint presentation
Duration: Approx. 40-60 mins
Recall and relive some of the favourite games and activities of the playground....hopscotch, leap frog and hide and seek. Join in skipping and hand clapping games and rhymes, show off your yoyo and diabolo skills, make a pompom or "grow" the corkwool.
Format: Interactive / Hands on session
Duration: Approx. one hour
Home front style reminiscences of the Second World War. How did people at home manage? How were everyday lives effected?
Don't forget your gas mask!
Format: Sharing stories of wartime experiences prompted by many stories already collected by Kath over the last 15 years.
Duration: Approx. 40-60 mins
Time to get ready; “glad rags” on, hair done and make-up perfected… we’re off out on a Saturday Night! Might even do a spot of courting…
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Theatres, pictures, dance halls and a look at what we might have been drinking…
Format: PowerPoint presentation with a variety of resources in support… no Babycham or Cherry B on offer though!
Duration: Approx. one hour
It might have been a charabanc or coach trip…some may even have gone by train – a trip to the seaside would always have been memorable with deck chairs, donkey rides and fish and chips for tea.
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Bring along your favourite seaside photo or memento from days gone by!
Format: PowerPoint presentation with shells, beach balls, buckets and spades
Duration: Approx. one hour
Session 1: Look at wedding traditions and recall the best day of your life - flowers, dresses, speeches...
Session 2: Recall some of the weddings of the rich and famous.
Format: Two sessions. PowerPoint presentation / Group discussion
Duration: Approx. 45 mins each
