Testimonials
Memories Are Golden is not only a respite service for carers who desperately need breaks from their caring role, or a social opportunity for people who live alone, for some it’s a lifeline of some normality, to be amongst their peers, to feel part of something, and feel they have some meaning and value to their lives.
Attending the centre allows people a safe space to socialise to their heart’s content and being a local service people often find there is someone they used to know! Memories Are Golden also acts as a means of flagging up any safeguarding concerns. People need to get out, to mix, to have the opportunity to laugh and learn and feel part of something other than just being dependent on someone at home.
People who feel despondent can actually have so much to offer others. I often tell people it’s not just about what they get out of going, it’s about what they give others. People also need the opportunity to feel more independent and get a break from the often intense carer/cared-for relationships.
I believe that the social, emotional, and mental health aspects and benefits of attending MemoriesAre Golden are so valuable to people and their carers, that the more opportunities that can be offered to people with a variety of needs, can only improve their well-being, and in-turn, reduce carer breakdown, and improve the longer-term prospects for people being able to remain at home and have a better quality of life.
As a volunteer at Memories are Golden I can honestly say I have learnt so much about dementia and how it affects each individual differently.
My mother has Alzheimer’s and it has certainly helped me understand her dementia. When I get home after a day at the hub I always have a smile on my face. The joy of seeing the service users laughing, chatting and joining in with fun activities is a massive reward. Hearing their families say that the service users love their days at the hub and how it has changed their lives for the better is fantastic. The hard work of Kelly and her team is the reason Memories are Golden works. She ensures that there are different activities each day, but above all else tries to involve all the service users in each activity, while ensuring that they all feel safe and cared for.
