Read about the history of how Dorset Memory Box Library all started from one person's WAGI (what a good idea).  

Background

In Autumn 1995 Mary Feddery, the Activities Co-ordinator at Westhaven Hospital Weymouth that specialised in the care of the elderly, approached Weymouth Museum for the loan of “objects” to be used by  patients in her care. She wanted to use these objects to stimulate her patient’s memories and to encourage conversations that started with “I remember ………….”.  This being called Reminiscence Activity.

Whilst it was not possible for the Museum to arrange this, interest was aroused in the philosophy that objects from the past could stimulate the memory, encourage communication, increase group participation and in turn, improve the quality of life.

A group of local people came together, led by Mary, to examine the potential of the project.  A feasibility study was carried out and research showed the value to individuals and groups of such objects, which became referred to as “memorabilia”.  Agencies already using such memorabilia were canvassed, surveys into interest and possible participation, both locally and county wide, were conducted and drew an encouraging response.  

The idea of a Library of Memory Boxes was born.

In the spring of 1996, a Committee was formed to identify premises, look at sources of funding, create publicity channels and, in turn, to draw up a viable Constitution in order to apply for Charitable Status.

Dorset Community NHS. Trust, the employers of Mary Feddery, offered some very valuable premises on the site at Westhaven Hospital, with both car parking and a level access.  Some funding was secured to allow the project to go ahead and valuable links with the Press, Local Radio and The Talking Newspapers were set up.

A Draft Constitution was presented to the Committee and an application to the Charity Commission was lodged and granted in October 1996.

It was decided that the Memory Boxes should be distinctive, so bright red boxes were purchased, about the size of a hamper, and the local Lions Club, the sponsors had their logo displayed on each box.  Between 10 and 12 items are included in a box, with a description indicating their age and use, mainly for the benefit of the presenter.  In use, this information was not declared until the participants had the opportunity to identify the items, and recollect their memories and hopefully create conversations amongst themselves.

An inaugural meeting was held in January 1997 and the “DORSET MEMORY BOX LIBRARY” service opened for business, with the goodwill and time from volunteer helpers, mainly retired and willing to carry any task placed before them.  Each helper was seconded onto the Committee and decisions were made at regular meetings.  The Office was opened for business one day a week to enable clients to collect and return Boxes.  The established day was a Tuesday, and it has remained the same to date.  In 1998 a Grant of £1000 was awarded by the National Lotteries Board towards the costs of a comprehensive Training Scheme aimed at Members and Volunteers.  In October 1999 training commenced with a course called “CARE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE” run in conjunction with The Alzheimer’s Society.  Twenty two students took the examination at the end of the course, the pass mark was set at 60%, and the lowest result was 80%, with 3 people achieving 100%.  Certificates and Badges were awarded by The Alzheimer’s Society in time for Christmas.

As predicted, the DMBL was forced to relocate in 2006, so that Westhaven Hospital could expand.   The West Dorset Health Trust offered alternative accommodation at two of their other sites, but they had other Community Health Departments also requiring relocation, so DMBL was a low priority and finally accepted a site in the grounds of Weymouth Community Hospital.

Fortunately DMBL had sufficient funds to enable them to hire a Portable Office and Store, which meant that we started paying Rent and Insurance for the buildings.

Benefit

Your local NHS should highlight the benefits of Reminiscence Therapy on their website.  One study by Exeter University found that, "Care-giver strain showed a significant decrease for care-givers participating in groups with their relative with dementia, and staff knowledge of group members' backgrounds improved significantly."

Development

In order to continue to expand, it became obvious that it was necessary to provide a Mobile Service to enable the whole of Dorset to benefit.  So, in January 2000 “HELP THE AGED” gave a Grant of £5000 to promote this service and to meet the travelling expenses of the volunteers who agreed to deliver the Memory Boxes around the County.

Initially, the memorabilia was chosen at random to fill a Memory Box, but as the memorabilia became more plentiful it was decided to be more selective with the contents of each Box and now we are working on themed Boxes.  The kind of topics covered are Weddings, Holidays, School, etc, and we find these are becoming increasingly popular with our clients.

The original aim of making the Boxes available to both individuals and groups had little take up.  It soon became clear that it was necessary for the Memory Boxes to be presented to the clients at Day Centres, Nursing Homes, Retirement Homes and Hospitals caring for the elderly.  Also, it was decided that training was essential for the maximum benefits to be achieved from Boxes.  To achieve this training it was decided to commission the production of a Training Video and the Media Centre at Weymouth College agreed to produce this video for the sum of £500.00 as part of the Educational Training.  This video is aimed at new users of Memory Boxes who were already involved with the physical care of the elderly and would include:

•Care assistants

•Owners of nursing & care homes

•Students on NVQ Health & Social Care courses.

The video runs for about 20 minutes, but it is suggested that it is paused whilst viewing, so that discussion can take place amongst the viewers.

Cost for the Service

The cost to the clients of the Memory Box Library has remained unchanged during the 15 years of operation, mainly because steady growth has met any increases in costs, despite a sudden increase in accommodation costs following the forced relocation of premises.  Monies have been accumulated over the years to meet the costs of rented accommodation.  This was in anticipation of when the Hospital Trust decided that they were no longer able to provide free accommodation.

Membership is set at £30.00 for life.  This started at £25.00 but when the Training Video was introduced, instead of charging £5.00 per video this was incorporated into the Membership cost.

The Memory Boxes are hired out for periods of 2 weeks at £3.00 per Box., Our Mobile Service runs a 2 weekly cycle with fixed dates, so everyone is aware of the arrival and collection dates.  We do charge an extra £3.00 per delivery for the mobile service, regardless of the distance travelled.

A Prepayment Plan was introduced enabling clients to pay in advance by cheque, Direct Debit and Standing Order and receive discounted Hire Rates for 6 and 12 months hire.  This is now well established with over 80% of the clients participating.

The Dorset Memory Box Library (DMBL) is self financing but continues to enjoy the support of the West Dorset Health Trust who relocated us in 2006 and laid on essential services to our new premises.

No money is spent on advertising but members of the committee give talks at W.I. Meetings, the Ladies Circle and similar gatherings and usually earn a donation in return.  

Area

From the early beginnings usage of the service has gradually expanded to cover all of Dorset into south Somerset and into east Devon.  

It took a few years to cover the entire county.

At the AGM held in June 2000, Mary Feddery, the founder, announced her retirement, as she was leaving the area.  The Dorset Memory Box Library will always remember her wonderful contribution to the organisation.

Usage

Over the 15 years, the Client base has reached in excess of 120, and the number of boxes in the Library has steadily increased to over 150.  It is possible to operate with these numbers because clients tend to take “rest periods” every few years, when they stop borrowing because their patients become too infirm, or perhaps the ownership changes and the new owners are not familiar with our services.  No client is ever removed from our membership list unless their premises cease to exist.

A number of our members have joined larger groups of Homes and this has been of benefit to the DMBL.  Our services may not have been used by the main group, but the management have recognised the benefits, usually because they have an Activity Organiser within the group, who encourages the use of Memory Boxes as another activity, so they are bringing all of their Homes into membership of DMBL.

Volunteers

The DMBL is operated entirely by unpaid volunteers, most of whom have been with DMBL for most of its life, and are themselves becoming elderly.  It is, therefore, necessary to use this resource with care.  New volunteers are difficult to recruit and memorabilia is becoming scarce, due to collectors willing to pay high prices for collectables, but the library rolls on and is proud of its achievements.