Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, Museums Inspiring Memories is a three-year partnership project between Amgueddfa Cymru and Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, exploring how we can use our seven museums, National Collections Centre and collections to improve the health and wellbeing of people affected by dementia. Using information gathered at over 30 consultations and engagements between December 2022 and March this year, we and our Dementia Voices in Heritage Group (made up of people living with dementia, unpaid carers, care staff, heritage sector colleagues, and representative organisations) are currently focused on developing a dementia-awareness training package for the heritage sector. In recent months, the team has been hosting pilot activities at several of our museums to gather participants’ feedback on how we can make our ‘offer’ more accessible, welcoming, and supportive.
These have included Curatorial-led talks in the community, a visit to the barracks and Roman garden at the National Roman Legion Museum, a seasonal Wellbeing Walk at St Fagans, a series of Dementia Friendly Underground Tours at Big Pit National Coal Museum, and others. Over the coming nine months, we also look to develop, test, and launch:
• a package for paid and unpaid carers, family members, and loved ones of those living with dementia to support and encourage the use of heritage places, spaces, and resources with those they care for
• an 18-month programme of accessible activities to take place at all Amgueddfa Cymru museums and in the community.
To learn more, please get in touch by email on MIMs@museumwales.ac.uk or by phoning (+44) 02920 573 418. More information can also be found on our webpage: Museums Inspiring Memories
Executive summary of our baseline report and a link to our first blog: The project team has discovered that addressing the issue of people with dementia should not involve treating them as a problem that needs to be fixed. Instead, it requires working together, providing them with a voice, access to resources and facilities, and acknowledging them as valued and contributing members of society. All the teams on the Museum estates have achieved this, resulting in a truly engaged project supported by everyone involved. Evidence suggests that museums can act as agents of social change for inclusion and participation.
However, culture is often overlooked as a crucial component of social change initiatives. This means that people who understand dementia must take a stand, even if they are excluded from conferences or undermined by others with 'higher titles'. Thankfully, leaders like Sharon, Gareth, and the teams from the Museum sites across Wales prioritise doing what is right, not just going through the motions. I'm glad to say that the project is inspiring! It's always encouraging to know that actions can positively impact someone. I hope that the ideas presented in the text continue to inspire everyone to work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for people with dementia and other marginalised groups. Remember, even small actions can make a big difference! Our first blog: Museums Inspiring Memories – our first year!
