Introducing our Charity

Research shows there are more than 944,000 people in the UK who have dementia. 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK. The number of people with dementia is increasing because people are living longer. People who are living with dementia need support and their carers also need to feel there is someone there to listen and help them to cope with the challenges they are facing.

This is our first newsletter and we want to use this feature on LinkedIn to share a round up of what we have coming up and to share key recent highlights.

In this first edition we have shared the background of the charity and the key services we offer to those living with dementia.

The Background

Reminiscence Learning was created and founded by Fiona Mahoney an Occupational Therapist (OT) who has experience in both physical and mental health. She has 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 centres 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 embryo of an 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. The charity has changed and developed over the years. It is now a National and Regional multi-award winning registered charity.?

It started in Wellington, moved to Bishops Lydeard, Taunton and then in 2015 we moved back to Wellington. It has grown and changed over the years responding to individual and community needs, specialising in dementia care, activity and reminiscence.?

We pride ourselves in being a dynamic, forward thinking and innovative charity who put the needs of the client and carer first and listen to their thoughts and requests.?

Our services

? ?Respite Activity Sessions (RAS) - With the overall aim of supporting carers and those they care for including those with memory problems and dementia.

? ?Archie Intergenerational Dementia Awareness Project - Linking primary schools with care homes and the community.

?? Training Workshops - For health care professionals, family carers, volunteers, businesses, and the general public.

?? Carer Support Groups - Both online and inperson these groups support family carers in the community

?? Community Activity Sessions -We run a number of sessions some in collaboration with other organisation and includes Funday Friday, Together In Sport, Memory Activity Group, Creative Arts Projects, Singing for Fun.

? Activity Angel Sessions -Tailor made activities for residents within care home settings.

You can meet our team and find out about our work here.

The Archie Project

The Archie Project is an exciting intergenerational dementia awareness project that links local primary schools, care homes, sheltered housing schemes, businesses, services and community members to ultimately dispel the fear and stigma often associated with dementia and create more dementia friendly communities. You can read more here.

How can you support us.

Firstly by subscribing to this newsletter as this helps widen our reach. We are going to be running some exciting events in 2025 including a JailBreak! So do get in touch if you would like to be involved. We are also always looking for volunteer support and companies to select us as their charity of the year. Or you might be a care home looking for training or a company looking to educate your staff about dementia.

If you think you can help us do get in touch to discuss [email protected]