{"id":1033297,"date":"2026-06-17T22:48:24","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T22:48:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1033297\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T22:48:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T22:48:24","slug":"how-national-museums-liverpool-supports-the-dementia-community-through-the-house-of-memories-programme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1033297\/","title":{"rendered":"How National Museums Liverpool supports the dementia community through the House of Memories programme"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dementia is no stranger to our communities, with many people affected either directly or through the experiences of family members, friends and neighbours.<\/p>\n

There are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, but the impact of the condition extends far beyond those diagnosed, including those awaiting a diagnosis, loved ones and carers.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why National Museums Liverpool has been taking action through its award-winning House of Memories programme. Since launching in 2012, the programme has been a catalyst for demonstrating how museums can support the dementia community.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"HouseCredit: Brian Roberts Photography<\/p>\n

House of Memories is a museum-led dementia awareness programme that uses museum objects and storytelling to help those living with dementia connect with their caregivers and families. With a range of workshops, training and community outreach, the programme is created with the dementia community to be accessible and responsive to the needs of those living with dementia.<\/p>\n

Museums are\u00a0great\u00a0places\u00a0to\u00a0experience stories of days gone by and National Museums Liverpool\u00a0uses its\u00a0venues to\u00a0help people living\u00a0with dementia, their families and carers, to connect to them. House of Memories also offers a range of opportunities for engagement with local residents, as well as those further afield, in care settings and those living in their own homes.<\/p>\n

These include:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Memory strolls<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"HouseCredit: Brian Roberts Photography<\/p>\n

These dementia-friendly guided\u00a0visits\u00a0to National Museums Liverpool\u00a0venues spark\u00a0conversations. On a memory stroll at the Museum of Liverpool, you can explore Liverpool icons like the\u202fOverhead Railway<\/a>, known as the\u00a0Dockers\u2019\u00a0Umbrella,\u202fBlackie the rocking horse<\/a>, or the\u202fColomendy\u00a0totem pole. Each stroll is\u00a0guided a member of the House of Memories team but led by the conversations and stories shared\u00a0by those on the memory stroll.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Memory suitcases<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"HouseCredit: Brian Roberts Photography<\/p>\n

Memory suitcases can be loaned free of charge by GPs, care homes, community groups and individuals. They are\u00a0filled with photos,\u00a0memorabilia and objects that help promote conversations about\u202fthe past.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n

Each suitcase has been co-designed with and for the dementia community, with different themes reflecting a range of hobbies, activities, cultures and languages. They support professionals working with people living with dementia to deliver person-centred care by focusing on what matters most to each individual. Items are multisensory which allow senses to become stimulated to engage in conversations around past life experiences.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

On\u00a0The\u00a0Road<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"HousePicture by Gareth Jones<\/p>\n

If you\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0get to the museum, the museum can come to you.\u00a0House of Memories\u00a0On\u00a0The\u00a0Road is National Museums Liverpool\u2019s mobile museum that\u00a0opens up\u00a0into an immersive cinema and activity\u00a0space.\u00a0It\u00a0has more than 30\u202fimmersive\u202fexperiences for sights, sounds,\u00a0and\u00a0smells of the past\u202fthrough a virtual \u2018front door\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Connecting Memories sessions\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"HouseCredit: Brian Roberts Photography<\/p>\n

Connecting\u00a0Memories sessions are all about encouraging open conversations around dementia\u00a0and improving brain health across the Northwest.\u00a0Museum of Liverpool is home to Liverpool memories,\u00a0stories\u00a0and everyday experiences\u00a0and, through exploring\u00a0its objects and collections,\u00a0people with or without a dementia diagnosis can connect\u00a0with their own experiences and journeys.\u00a0Connecting\u00a0Memories sessions\u00a0are\u00a0also\u00a0open to family members\u00a0so\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0an opportunity to\u00a0meet\u00a0others\u00a0like you, share\u00a0thoughts\u00a0over a cup of coffee, and explore the museum together.<\/p>\n

Sessions are led by the participants in the room and shaped by how they wish to express themselves. House of Memories understand the value of giving people living with dementia the space to lead, drawing on their own passions, experiences and strengths. Connecting Memories sessions celebrate individual strengths and create opportunities for participants to learn from, support and inspire one another through shared activity. The focus is on connection, confidence and creating a supportive space where people can take part in a way that feels meaningful to them.<\/p>\n

At House of Memories the aim is\u00a0simple: to break down barriers that\u00a0prevent people within the ageing and dementia\u00a0community from accessing\u00a0museums and instead\u00a0use these amazing\u00a0cultural spaces to promote\u00a0wellbeing and social inclusion.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Find out more about House\u00a0of\u00a0Memories here<\/a>. <\/strong>
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