Memory suitcases from Atherstone Library to support people living with dementia

Atherstone Library is now loaning out specially developed memory suitcases to help support people living with dementia as well as their carers.

Heritage and Culture Warwickshire and Warwickshire Libraries have joined forces to provide access to the suitcases which contain objects, information and games and are available to Warwickshire library members to borrow using their library card.

With an old Warwickshire photo in each box linking the items and games together it is a great opportunity for families and loved ones to share memories and special times together.

The themes include: Rural Warwickshire, Games, Holidays, Working in Warwickshire and school days.

Rebecca Coles, senior learning and community engagement officer for Heritage and Culture Warwickshire said: "This has been a great opportunity to work with our colleagues from the library service.

"We have used images from the Warwickshire County Record Office archives and linked them to objects and games for those living with dementia to enjoy. There are two suitcases of each theme so we hope once people have used one they will want to borrow another."

Heritage and Culture Warwickshire received a Tesco 'Bags of Help' grant which has helped fund part of the project.

The YouTube video at the top of this page explains how to best use the suitcases.

Principal Librarian Jessica Dunnicliff said: "We are delighted to be working with Heritage and Culture Warwickshire to launch the memory suitcases during Dementia Action Week, they make a great addition to our existing dementia resources."

The suitcases are now available from Atherstone as well as Leamington, Nuneaton, Rugby and Stratford libraries with an adult library card.

For more information please email [email protected]