A SERIES of sessions focusing on sharing memories and stories of yesteryear is to be held in Skipton to support people with dementia or memory loss and their carers.

Organised by the Carers’ Resource, My Memories and Me is a six-week programme of reminiscence-themed get-togethers aimed at building confidence, stimulating memories and conversation, and building friendships.

The first weekly session will be at Dyneley Barn, behind Dyneley Surgery, in Newmarket Street, Skipton, next Thursday, March 5, from 10am to noon.

There will be a different topic for each week – including washday, work and leisure, school days, shopping and food - and activities will include music from different eras, quizzes and a variety of materials from across the years.

For the washday session Linda Peake, of the Vintage Wash House, will bring her traditional washing equipment from the 40s and 50s to help bring the subject to life.

A selection of items will be used to help generate discussion, stories and interaction, and couples will also be able to decorate and create their own memory boxes in which they can store photos and mementoes.

Elaine Owen, project officer at the Carers’ Resource who will be leading the sessions, said: “Carers and people with dementia or memory loss can be very socially isolated due to behaviours associated with the condition, such as confusion, and there is also a lack of public understanding which discourages people from socialising.

“These sessions will be light-hearted and relaxed, fun and friendly, while also being helpful and interesting for those with memory loss and their carers in a safe and comfortable environment.”

Admission is free and refreshments will be served. To book a place or for more information contact Elaine at the Carers’ Resource on 01756 700888, or email eowen@carersresource.org

The project is part of the Innovation Fund and has been jointly funded by North Yorkshire County Council and Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group.