Sefton Libraries launch new Memory Bags to help bring the past back to life

Sefton Libraries have launched new Memory Bags to help bring the past back to life.

There are six bags, each covering a decade from the ‘30s to the ‘80s, and it’s hoped they can be used to jog the memories and recollections of those who are beginning to lose their memory – and teach younger people what life used to be like.

Gordon Hatton, a library assistant based at Crosby Library said:

“We’re hoping that people of all ages will get something from them.”

“The idea is that they can help start conversations with those who are starting to lose their memory or are in the early stages of dementia and help grandparents show their grandchildren what the world was like when they were growing up.”

Each bag contains different books from the period along with postcards, magazines, and maybe a children’s annual.

“There are DVDs of films from the decade, I’ve printed off pictures from each decade with captions that talk about famous people from the time, like Marilyn Monroe in the ‘50s bag,” adds Gordon, “and I’ve also created a quiz sheet about the era.

“They focus on the decade generally, not Liverpool as such, although there’s a commemorative issue of the Liverpool Echo in each that celebrates that decade so there is local news in that.”

The bags are an extension of a bigger dementia project the libraries service has offered since before the pandemic, Sefton’s Lost Voice, which includes a volunteer going to someone’s house or meeting them in a community space to talk to people who are beginning to lose their memory or might have a vital story to tell.

“We record the conversations and give a copy to the person so it can be played back to them and, if we feel it’s of value, we keep a copy for our archives,” says Lesley Davies, senior development manager – communities for Sefton Library & information Service.

“We had Memory Boxes as part of that, and the idea was that you could take them along to a care home or a group meeting in a memory café for people with dementia. They had photos in, newspapers, and pictures of old pubs – some of them have smells and scents in like lime, lemonade and beer, again to evoke memories and start conversations!

“They have been around for years, but individuals were saying it would be great to have something that they could take home that’s not as bulky.

“Gordon runs a tea and tunes session at Crosby Library and the original idea was that we had a cup of tea and listened to music, but Gordon has evolved that – as he likes to do – and they might now have some retro biscuits, or pictures of times gone by.

“They are primarily aimed at people who are losing their memories, although not necessarily someone with dementia. They are reminiscence sessions, but they can support people too.

“Gordon has done the tea and tunes sessions based on the decades, so that’s where the bags came from.”

Lesley goes on:

“We do try to reach our communities where they are, and we like to go beyond the book.

“The book will always be part of our core service, as will our digital service – free WiFi, audio books, etc. – but we feel we should offer more.

“We get a lot of people through the door who are elderly and have time on their hands, or people who need a bit of help and support because they are lonely or suffering depression. We are hearing across our counters that people are caring for a lot of people in the early stages of memory loss, so we asked how we could help them.

“It’s being responsive to our communities, and this is something we’ve been told people will benefit from.”

The Memory Bags can be booked out from the library: “We are a community hub,” says Gordon. “And we’re helping people’s lives to be better, and to get the most out of them .”