The Recollection project is a group for people with dementia and their carers. The project is generously funded by a private donor and is now in its sixth year, operating as a partnership with The Holburne Museum and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.
The group is run by a lead artist and an art therapist with input from museum staff and volunteers. Participants are referred by Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and they take part in six week blocks, based at either No.1 Royal Crescent or at the Holburne Museum. Over the course of six weeks the group explores a theme related to the museum and enjoys various creative activities related to the theme.
Afternoon tea served traditionally with vintage china, tablecloths and cake is an important part of each session. It is an opportunity for the group to sit together and talk and reminisce and participants value this time together. Each week there is also an opportunity to visit part of the museum or engage with part of the collection in a guided and informal setting.
The project provides an opportunity for both carers and those they care for to participate in creative and heritage activities in a sympathetic and safe setting. Participants also create memory books of photos to remind them of the experience.
