Under our Shared lives activities we wanted to take our values of sharing and relationship connections to residents of our care centres. Started in Covid we are now in our third year of bringing objects and items into the homes then gently supporting memories and interaction with spontaneous songs , laughs and gems of fasinating history.
We base our sessions on actual objects which we have sources from local museums and charity shops. The holding or stroking or smelling an object can mean no words are needed and we have many examples of faces lighting up and a person for example demonstrating how they used a tool without the need for word which sometimes fail to materialise. The objects are key alongwith the skilled and trained session leaders. Release of endorphines and the familiarity and warmth bring about the imediate benefits of these sessions. Increased communication opportuities and socialble shared experience.
There are eight Residential Care Centres across Shetland including three isles who are served by ferry. Our current funding recognises the positive effect on well being and mental health as well as Annies law research on the rights to meaningful activities and visitors.
We are now looking to exspand this to increase total number of sessions and also to exspand our remote sessions which we developed during Covid. These would enable us to reach the outer isles and poor weather when we are not able to send a remeniscence leader.
We are working closly with Shetland Library and Shetland Museums and local history groups. Nationally we have access to Memory Scotland resources and online picture and film archives. Our local branch of Alzhiemers Scotland also provide invaluable support and advice .
If you would like to find out more or offer some items please do contact us community.connections@shetland.org or 01595745093
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