The Storybox Project AT HOME was a dementia friendly project that was free and open to all. It was an online resource which provided hundreds of dementia friendly creative activity ideas which were accessible and easy to try.
It supported people to live well, with creativity as part of everyday life. It was based upon a foundation of empathy, imagination, empowerment and togetherness as a starting point to engage, enliven and empower people living with dementia alongside the people that support them. It was developed over the previous decade through work with thousands of people living with dementia – you can find out more about it’s history here.
It focused upon the value of participation in the moment and the engagement and the power of fun and laughter. Each Storybox activity serves as a starting point to:
- Create shared experiences.
- Encourage an affirmed sense of self.
- Improve physical health.
- Improve self esteem and confidence.
Subscribers had access to an online community full of dementia friendly activity ideas which were free to access and easy to try. The project ended in 2023.
“I’ve learned that you should never give up on anyone. It’s reminded me that there is always memory, personhood, response. It’s been quite incredible.”
“It keeps us normal. It takes our old age away.”
“It’s a rare chance for that person to reclaim themselves. To be whoever they want and to live in the moment, and just for that second, to be free without fear of saying or doing the wrong thing, and not needing anyone else by their side to guide them.”
“The themes are brilliant – it just brings everybody together. Being creative, making things, music, exercise, writing…it’s a great.”
Image credit – James Mulkeen
