How to reminisce
Age Exchange in Blackheath, London, is a centre for reminiscence which opened in 1987. It carries out training for those leading reminiscence sessions, advocates certain principles which enhance the reminiscence process and ensures that all those taking part do so in a comfortable environment and with a feeling of security. Age Exchange has produced the following list which outlines some of those principles:
Principles for good practice in reminiscence work
- Good communication - active listening and sensitivity to non-verbal language
- Genuine interest
- Respect for personal choice
- Fidelity and confidentiality
- Establishing trust and rapport
- Support for painful emotions
- Non-judgmental attitudes
- Warmth
- Respect for equal opportunities
- Use of triggers that stimulate the senses
- Use of inclusive and relevant themes
- A range of creative opportunities
- Monitoring and evaluation at every stage
For further details on reminiscence and intergeneration projects and training:
- Generations as Partners Project
- Age Concern West Sussex
- Suite 2 Anchor Springs, Littlehampton BN17 6BP
- Tel: 01903 731 800
- Age Exchange
- The Reminiscence Centre, 11 Blackheath Village, London SE3 9LA
- Tel: 020 8318 9105
- Fax: 020 8318 0060
- Email: administrator@age-exchange.org.uk
- Web: www.age-exchange.org.uk
- Beth Johnson Foundation
- Parkfield House, 64 Princes Road, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7JL
- Tel: 01782 844 036
- Fax: 01782 746 940
- Email:admin@bjf.org.uk
- Web:www.bjf.org.uk
- The Centre for Intergenerational Practice
- C/- Beth Johnson Foundation
- Parkfield House, 64 Princes Road, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7JL
- Email:generations@bjf.org.uk
- Web: www.centreforip.org.uk
