Bringing History to Life: How Heritage Can Help Dementia

Heritage has the power to connect people across generations, to help communities engage with history in new and meaningful ways, and to reconnect people with their own history and to each other. One such project in Surrey brought museum-led dementia-friendly sessions to care homes, using artefacts and sensory experiences to spark memories and conversations.

A discussion about “make do and mend” with an elderly resident using buttons to spark memory.

These sessions explored themes such as home life, the seaside, and music; with participants engaging through touch, sound, and scent. From recognising old coins to smelling the familiar scent of herbs, each activity helped reconnect individuals with their past. One participant, who struggles with speech due to a rare form of dementia, was able to recall childhood memories of buying sweets after handling a matchbox, while another, usually non-verbal, started forming words during a session.

The impact extended beyond those living with dementia. Carers and relatives shared that after these sessions, participants were more relaxed, engaged, and communicative. The sessions also provided a new source of conversation, breaking the routine of daily life and fostering a sense of community.

A small knitted toy in the hands of a resident

Heritage organisations play a vital role in keeping history alive by making the past accessible and relevant to people today. Recognising the importance of this, a new fund has been launched by Surrey Cultural Partnership and the Community Foundation for Surrey, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Surrey Heritage For All fund offers grants of up to £10,000 to support projects that engage our local, diverse communities with Surrey’s heritage and natural environment. By investing in these opportunities, we can celebrate Surrey’s tangible and intangible heritage, enrich lives and strengthen communities. Please find more detail of this important fund on our website.