The Recollection Project was a group for people with dementia and their carers. The project was generously funded by a private donor and ran for six years, operating as a partnership with The Holburne Museum and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.
The group was artist led, including an art therapist with input from museum staff and volunteers. Participants were referred by Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and they took 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 explored a theme related to the museum and enjoyed various creative activities related to the theme.
Afternoon tea served traditionally with vintage china, tablecloths and cake was an important part of each session. It was an opportunity for the group to sit together and talk and reminisce and participants value this time together. Each week there was also an opportunity to visit part of the museum or engage with part of the collection in a guided and informal setting.
The project provided 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 created memory books of photos to remind them of the experience.
