Adults and older people

Two ladies making mosaics in a museum craft workshop

Our outreach officer for older people develops programmes specifically for our older visitors. Our approach is based on reminiscence - we use our collections to stimulate memories and conversation, thus improving health and well-being, and offering social contact to those who are often isolated.

The art of memories...

A free reminiscence-inspired training course for PCT healthcare professionals

Monday 28 September, Thursday 1 October and Monday 5 October, 10am-4.30pm

This three-day training course will enable participants to learn more about the subject of reminiscence and how it can be useful in any care situation or community setting.

Jackie Ross, outreach officer for older people at National Museums Liverpool, will give delegates an overview of the subject in the context of museums and galleries. The course will cover some of the practical techniques that can used in reminiscence including the use of photography in relation to memory.

The course will begin at the Merseyside Maritime Museum each day but delegates will have the opportunity to visit the International Slavery Museum, the National Conservation Centre and the World Museum, to look at the diverse collections and take inspiration for developing reminiscence in their own settings.

The course has 20 places available so please book early to avoid disappointment. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

To book please email Jackie Ross with the following details:

  • Your name
  • Work title
  • Contact details
  • Special requirements
  • Whether you have a camera or not

Further information is on the flyer which you can download below. Please email Jackie Ross to request a copy of the flyer if you can't download this pdf.

Please note this course is only available for PCT healthcare professionals

A Stroll Through Time

'Stroll Through Time' events for older members of the community take place most weeks; on Tuesdays at Sudley House and Wednesdays at the Lady Lever Art Gallery.

'The Stroll' was first introduced in the year 2000. We had become aware that older people living in the community needed friendly and welcoming places to visit. They could also contribute immensely to our record of the region's social history. What began with the Heritage Lottery and Liverpool Housing Action Trust funding is now an integral part of National Museums Liverpool's learning programme.

Groups who take part in 'The Stroll' include:

  • community groups interested in Liverpool's history
  • day centre members
  • older people in residential accommodation
  • older people attending specialised groups such as Stroke Association and the Tremor Association.

'The Stroll' is all about reminiscing. Volunteer reminiscence guides escort your group around the museum and engage participants in conversation that prompts memory recall. We set aside a room for your use and can arrange for cups of tea. Alternatively you may wish to bring a packed lunch.

As part of their Stroll many groups also enjoy a session in a quiet room where they get hands-on with real objects. The activity stimulates memory recall and objects can be chosen for the interests of the group. It is especially good for people with memory loss, with whom we are especially interested in working.

Taking the museums to the community

We have prepared a series of reminiscence resource boxes reflecting local history and public events. They can be used in the museums or borrowed for use elsewhere.

Volunteering as a reminiscence guide

We are always looking for new volunteers to help with the 'Stroll Through Time' programmes. Further details about current opportunities are available on the volunteering pages on this website.

Reminiscence workshops for activity organisers

One-day training workshops can be arranged for groups of people wishing to be involved in reminiscence work in the community.

Get involved!

If you are interested in any of these activities and would like an informal chat please email Jackie Ross, outreach officer for older people, or telephone her on 0151 478 4428.

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