Purani Yaadein (Old Memories) Raising awareness of Dementia in Rochdale

The making of the ‘Purani Yaadein’ (Old Memories) film was inspired by personal experiences of our team; whose parents arrived in the UK in the 1960’s from South Asia to fill the labour shortage in the textile industry. We wanted to record the ‘Purani’ (old) memories of people of that early generation as part of this project, which also included community based reminiscing sessions. This film features interviews from health care professional including Dr Shanu Datta, Consultant Psychiatrist for Older People at Rochdale’s Birch Hill Hospital and Julie Mann, Dementia Adviser from the Alzheimer’s Society. We also hear from four participants who talk about their life stories and ‘purani yaadein’, which were often amusing and sometimes quite poignant. All those featured are now living with a long term health condition. One of our interviewees, Saleema Begum has recently been given a diagnosis of Vascular Dementia; her son and carer Saeed talks candidly about some of the issues that his mum and the family have had to contend with – pre and post diagnosis. Saeed also talks about the value of the work BME Health Matters are undertaking, including this film and the Dera Urban Farm. Whether you are a health practitioner, someone living with dementia, a carer or know someone living with dementia we hope that you enjoy watching this film