Living Memories Launches Reminiscence Initiative to Support Winter Warm Spaces Across UK
As the winter season approaches, communities across the UK are facing the challenges of staying warm and connected during the colder months. In response, Living Memories CIC, a social enterprise based in Devon, has launched an innovative reminiscence initiative to support older residents and create engaging activities in community Warm Spaces.
Through their “Sharing Memories In Warm Spaces” subscription, Living Memories Online offers nearly 3,000 archive film programmes and newsreels from the 20th century, providing comprehensive reminiscence resources for community groups and local councils. The service aims to build meaningful social contacts between residents through shared memories over a cup of tea, while also offering opportunities to create quizzes, share life stories, and provide background for themed community events set in the 20th century.
Founder of Living Memories CIC, Brian Norris, explains the inspiration behind the initiative, stating, “Rising energy costs are affecting communities nationwide. Our streaming service helps transform Warm Spaces into vibrant social hubs, where older people can stay warm while engaging with fascinating archive footage that triggers memories and encourages conversation.”
The service is designed for use in various community venues, including community centres, local libraries, church halls, village halls, care homes, and any designated Warm Space. The films can be streamed on all digital devices and can be projected onto walls or cast to TV screens, making it accessible for groups of 5-25 people or even just a couple using a tablet or mobile phone. All 3,000 archive films also have subtitles, which can be helpful for anyone with impaired hearing.
Research and experience have shown the positive impact of screening archive films in community settings, including stimulating natural conversation and social interaction, combating isolation among older residents, creating intergenerational connections, providing cognitive stimulation for those living with dementia, and strengthening community bonds through shared memories.
Subscribers to Living Memories Online also receive a comprehensive support package, which includes full access to the extensive archive, detailed guidance for organising reminiscence sessions, video help for using the streaming platform, and a dedicated telephone support line.
Norris emphasizes that Living Memories Online is more than just a streaming service, stating, “It’s a tool for helping to create welcoming environments where older people feel valued and connected. The archive films provide a unique way to stimulate memories and encourage communication, particularly beneficial for us all.”
Community groups and local councils can access the service at https://livingmemories.imagencloud.com or https://www.livingmemoriesonline.com. For questions and further information, contact sharingmemories@livingmemories.io.
About Living Memories CIC
Living Memories CIC is a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Devon, UK, specializing in using archive films to enhance the well-being of older people, including those living with dementia. The organization supports community initiatives that combat isolation and create connections and has recently received a national Points of Light Award.
Media Contact:
Brian Norris
Telephone: 079222 33363 or 01297 552358
Email: sharingmemories@livingmemories.io
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.