Updates from Reminiscence Learning

victoria29826
Nov 12
5 min read

October/ November Edition

Fi and the team had an amazing evening at the Best Business Women Awards 2025. We were chosen in 2024 as their charity champion and were invited back this year to raise awareness and fundraise — We held a silent auction. Our patron Angela Rippon CBE joined us at the event and gave a moving speech. Fi also gave a speech raising awareness of dementia and the charities work. She finished it by explaining butterfly moments and encouraging the audience to spend just 30 seconds to brighten someone's day.

Claire Louise Care our Community Engagement Coordinator attended Powderham Castle on the 16th of October for the announcement of the West Country Women's Awards Finalists. Fiona was selected as a finalist in the Community Awards section thanks to a wonderful nomination:

"I'd like to nominate Reminiscence Learning for the Community Award. This Wellington-based charity has made an incredible difference to families affected by dementia across Somerset and beyond. What started as a local initiative has grown into a multi-award winning registered charity that genuinely transforms lives. Reminiscence Learning runs activity sessions and training workshops that strike the perfect balance - they're professional and educational whilst being enjoyable and practical. Their approach recognises that dementia care doesn't have to be clinical or depressing. Instead, they create meaningful experiences that bring joy and connection to people living with dementia and their families. The charity's work extends far beyond just running sessions. They train other professionals, support carers, and have built a community of volunteers who share their vision. Their mascot Archie has become a familiar and comforting presence to many families navigating the dementia journey. What impresses me most is how they've maintained their personal touch despite their growth. They understand that behind every diagnosis is a real person with a lifetime of memories and experiences worth celebrating. Reminiscence Learning doesn't just provide a service - they provide hope and dignity to families when they need it most. They've shown that with creativity and compassion, we can make the dementia journey less frightening and more meaningful. This charity deserves recognition for the outstanding contribution they make to our community every single day."

We look forward to celebrating the Grand Finals on the 28th November alongside other finalists.

We have been working closely with Bath Spa University as a part of their We Are The People Project, kindly funded by the Wellcome Trust. The aim of this research is to learn more about what makes a community Dementia Inclusive, with the focus on Wellington and the surrounding areas. We would greatly appreciate your thoughts, if you'd like to get involved, you can take part in our short survey — By sharing your experiences and thoughts you can help make changes in our local community for those living with dementia as well as their carers and family.

You can find the survey here: A Dementia Inclusive Community

We will be hosting an online Dementia Awareness Toolbox Training for businesses. This engaging training is designed to give a comprehensive overview of dementia, including signs and symptoms of dementia and effective strategies for helping someone living with dementia in your community.

Shane and Claire recently delivered the first Dementia Awareness Toolbox Talk for Wellington Town Council. We had incredibly positive feedback from the team who received the training:

"The training gave me a completely different perspective on what it means to live with dementia. It wasn’t just informative, it was human. I now feel more confident in how I can support individuals living with dementia, and I’m proud that Wellington is taking active steps to become a more inclusive and understanding town."

“Reminiscence Learning’s Dementia Awareness Training was incredibly useful to our whole team, highlighting the ways that we can help Wellington towards becoming a dementia inclusive community. The training was informative and the knowledgeable Claire and Shane were able to answer any questions we had. Our front-of-house staff on reception and the open spaces team now feel confident interacting with people who may have dementia and have the tools they need to further help the community.”

Book your place today by emailing office@reminiscencelearning.co.uk

Reminiscence Learning hosted another RL Social at Oake Manor Golf Club. This social brought together people living with dementia, their family carers, staff and volunteers for a carvery, and an afternoon of live music provided by Rod Thomas. We'd like to thank Rod, the marvellous team at Oake Manor and everyone who attended this wonderful afternoon!

Our clients at our Respite Activity Sessions enjoyed themed activities this month, including firework creations and Remembrance Day activities.

We are delighted to announce that Friends of RL have raised an impressive £500 in support of Reminiscence Learning, The funds were generated through their duration in Wellington's Pop Up Shop, where they engaged with the community and sold lots of wonderful items at great prices! We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who visited the shop, made a purchase or offered their support. Your generosity helps us to continue providing dementia support, training and community based projects for individuals living with dementia and their family carers.

This achievement is a wonderful example of how local initiatives and community spirit can make a real difference. Thank you to Friends of RL!

💡 3 ways your business can support Reminiscence Learning

1. Fundraising and Sponsorship

Sponsor an Event - Support events like the Jail Break challenge, fundraisers through financial sponsorship, in-kind support, or promotion.
Run a Company Fundraiser - Organise a team event such as: Dress-down days, cake sales, quiz nights or sponsored challenges (e.g., memory-themed walks, cycling, or steps challenges)
Nominate us as your Charity of the Year - Choose Reminiscence Learning as your business's charity partner and commit to regular fundraising and awareness-building throughout the year.

2. Raise Awareness

Invite Reminiscence Learning to speak at your business A talk on dementia awareness or intergenerational learning can be educational and impactful for employees and clients.
Share our mission on your platforms Help promote campaigns and events on LinkedIn, company newsletters, or customer emails.
Distribute dementia awareness materials Place Reminiscence Learning leaflets or posters in your offices or shared spaces to help inform your staff and visitors.

3. Join the 'Friends of RL' Community

Businesses can join as members or partners of the Friends of Reminiscence Learning, a support group that champions the charity’s work. This group helps coordinate community engagement, events, and ongoing awareness.

Why it matters for businesses

Supporting Reminiscence Learning:

Enhances your brand’s social value and community impact
Strengthens staff engagement and wellbeing through meaningful involvement
Demonstrates commitment to social responsibility, ageing populations, and intergenerational learning

Get in touch to discuss ways in which we can work together

Email: office@reminiscencelearning.co.uk Tel: 01823 668676