GOOD Times rolled into a Rugby care home as part of an initiative to increase social interaction among adults with dementia.
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum’s Good Times roadshow visited Westlands Care Home to reminisce with residents during a Second World War-inspired workshop.
The Good Times’ team took a range of ‘reminiscence boxes’ to the Oliver Street care home, where residents were encouraged to explore objects from the museum’s social history handling collections.
They included vintage toys and games, Second World War ration books, Home Front posters and cigarette cards.
Residents also had the chance to try arts and crafts at the workshop.
Tash Stevens, manager of Westlands Care Home, said: “It’s amazing what stories come out when someone spots something familiar from their past.
“These sessions get people chatting and sharing memories, and everyone benefits from that connection.
“We’re really grateful to the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum team for giving their time and bringing these wonderful items to our home.”
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum was able to preserve its Second World War collection this summer thanks to a £25,000 grant from the government’s Victory 80 Fund, which aims to help museums commemorate this year’s 80th anniversaries of VE (Victory in Europe) Day and VJ (Victory over Japan) Day.
The grant also meant the museum could expand its handling collections to support Good Times’ work.
Coun Maggie O’Rourke, Rugby Borough Council’s spokesperson for partnerships and wellbeing, attended the session at Westlands.
She said: “It was wonderful to meet the residents at Westlands and experience first-hand the work of the Good Times project, which has made such a difference for people living with dementia and their carers since launching nearly ten years ago.
“During the workshop, the items from the museum’s handling collections sparked conversations, triggered memories and created a shared experience which benefited everyone involved.”
Visit www.ragm.co.uk/good-times for more information about Good Times.
