Reminiscence Learning: The local charity supporting your Dementia journey
In our previous blog, we mentioned a local registered charity based in Wellington. Our relationship with them has blossomed over the years and we wanted to explain why.
We have a cherished relationship with Reminiscence Learning. We have seen first hand the hard work, care and compassion that goes into this exceptional charity.
At the heart of Reminiscence Learning is Fiona Mahoney, an Occupational Therapist (OT) who has experience in both physical and mental health. Fiona worked in the NHS and set up her own medical equipment company “The Making Life Easier Centre” in 1985. As a qualified reflexologist, Bach flower practitioner and OT she ran her own private business, linking in with the medical centers and the Nuffield hospital. Whilst working for the Somerset Partnership NHS Mental Health Trust in the mid-90s, Fiona set up the Penny Farthing Reminiscence Centre in Wellington, Somerset and it was here that the idea was born to train both staff and the general public in how to run reminiscence sessions.
In 2001 Fiona set up Reminiscence Learning and it became a registered charity in 2003. It’ll come as no surprise that the charity has grown and strived over the years and is now a National and Regional multi-award winning registered charity.
She now has an amazing team that make up the Reminiscence Learning family and from the moment you step through the doors, it is like taking a step back in time. Memories, laughter and love echo through the rooms and hallways and you can be sure that you will always leave feeling rested, reassured and eager to go back!
We have picked three of our favourite activity sessions they host. Forest School, Funday Friday and the Memory activity group. All of these groups have regular visits from our clients, their Care Professionals enjoy going just as much as they do!
Memory Activity Group
The Memory Activity Group is held in Wiveliscombe Community Centre by Wivey Cares. Reminiscence Learning attend the group to host the activities and bring fresh topics each week. This is similar to our well known Funday Friday sessions which we always welcome new faces. We are currently using a variety of new musical entertainers to keep the programme fresh and interesting and are always open to ideas for new activities from our clients who attend.
The group is hosted in the Community Centre and is equipped for those with mobility and sensory impairments. The Centre is accessed on one level and ramped ground from the front and the back and the upstairs by means of a platform lift. The toilets are on the ground floor and all are unisex, including the disabled person’s toilet.
To learn more about this event and find out to book click here.
Forest School
Forest School is for people with memory impairment and their carers (family or professional carers). People can enjoy the great outdoors, trying their hand at woodwork, gardening, open fire cooking, or a wander through the forest. Perfect for those who are crafty or love the outdoors! Our favourite is cooking lunch over an open fire!
The session is held at Otterhead Forrest School, just outside Wellington. A beautiful venue based in the Blackdown Hills. You can find out how to get there here.
All they ask, is that people who are interested let them know in advance whether they will attend weekly so they can then plan the catering for the group. To book, please contact the team on 01823 668676 or e-mail them via their website here.
Funday Friday
It’s all in the name!
Funday Friday is one of their most popular Community sessions hosted at Rockwell Green Christian Fellowship. You can get to it here.
There is always something for everyone at these sessions! From dancing to quizzes, gentle exercise to singing! They’ve even had the local primary school pay them a visit, which our Client and Care Professional couldn’t stop talking about for weeks afterwards!
Because this uniquely wonderful session is full of fun engaging activities, booking in advance is highly recommended! Please contact Reminiscence Learning directly to reserve your place.
Respite Activity Sessions
The team at Reminiscence Learning also host longer sessions at their lovely base in Wellington. These sessions are tailored to every individual with their main objective to provide support and care for caregivers and those they care for.
These bespoke sessions can include group or one one engagement, themed activities tailored to individual and large resources of memorabilia. There is also a quiet lounge for relaxation and holistic therapy treatment and includes breakfast and a two course lunch for all that attend.
They will even visit your loved one in their home for an assessment to get a true understanding of what those suffering with memory problems and dementia.
Click here to learn more about these sessions and many other services that can offer you and your loved ones.
Memory Activity Group Poster
Enter your details here to access Reminiscence Learning’s Memory Activity Group poster.
Forrest School
Enter your details here to access Reminiscence Learning’s Forrest School poster.
Funday Friday
Enter your details here to access Reminiscence Learning’s Funday Friday poster.
Respite Activity Sessions
Enter your details here to access Reminiscence Learning’s Respite Activity Sessions poster.
Reviews
‘Absolutely fabulous for clients and carers aswell! So much support, love and laughter. A haven for us all and beautiful passionate people. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart’ – Virginia, facebook
‘Lovely wonderful place full of people doing an amazing job with people suffering from dementia.’ – Steve, Google review
‘Fiona is fantastic and as a great understanding of all things to do with dementia‘ Paul, Facebook
‘Fantastic fantastic fantastic!‘ – Tara, Google review
‘Full of great ideas to help with dementia and daily activities lovely people‘ – Luisa, Facebook
‘Great place doing amazing work‘ – Denise, Google review
