“The Trust and the Back to Backs have worked together to develop interactive sessions with sights, sounds, smells and objects that are likely to be familiar to evoke memories and encourage discussion. The fire is lit, tea made with tea leaves is served from a tea pot and service users and carers can relax and reminisce.”
These monthly sessions give service users and carers time out from their usual routine and help them experience something new together in a safe space and this can help to improve their relationship.
Mukith Miah, Volunteering and Community Involvement Manager – Birmingham Portfolio, National Trust explains why the Back to Backs team were so keen to make the project work:
“The Back to Backs is a special place and it should be accessible to everyone. Many of our volunteers are Dementia Friends and they are keen to welcome those with this condition to the Back to Backs and to make sure that they are comfortable and undaunted by their surroundings.”
Sue Hartley, Executive Director of Nursing at BSMHFT said:
“We are always keen to look at new and different ways to support our service users and carers. This is a great initiative and of real benefit to those in our care who live with dementia. This year’s Dementia Action Week encourages us to start a conversation with someone with dementia and I think that BSMHFT and the Back to Backs are putting this into action.”
BSMHFT and the Back to Backs have had excellent feedback on their trial sessions and will continue to develop them by using items from the houses to talk about different themes such as life in the kitchen, holidays and clothing.
For more information, please contact the Birmingham Back to Backs by emailing or visiting backtobacks@nationaltrust.org.uk.
