The Memory Exchange

The Memory Exchange project aims to use innovative intergenerational learning techniques to encourage adults over 50 years old in care homes and in day clubs to reminisce using specially constructed memory boxes containing historical items from their earlier lives, together with musical recordings, radio broadcasts and photographs.

Partners in Poland, Turkey, Italy and Germany are working since the launch of the initiative in 2012 with adults at risk of social exclusion due to financial hardship, bereavement rural isolation and the onset, in some cases, of mild dementia. For the latter group, intergenerational recall sessions such as those planned within the project are particularly beneficial. Young people (16-30) will bring together the memory boxes and will undergo informal training as volunteer intergenerational facilitators.

The project includes the production of a DVD which will record the interviews and discussions led by student facilitators in each partner country. A programme of international encounters will allow the exchange of information and good practice between the partners. These will involve study visits to learning activities and, in some cases, will be combined with a public conference/seminar to disseminate the innovative practice generated by The Memory Exchange.

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission under the Lifelong Learning Programme. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.