Life-Story Work

As I have already said Re-Live specialise in life story work and believe that everyone has a story to tell. But what exactly is life story work?

Each and every person has had a unique life, no one else in the world has had the exact same experiences as you. Even if you have an identical twin that goes everywhere with you, your perspectives and emotions about a situation will inevitably be different.

There has been plenty in the news over the last few weeks about dementia care, particularly in Wales, with some calling for massive overhauls to the way dementia care works. But has anyone bothered to ask those living with dementia what they think? Has anyone asked their loved ones or carers what needs to be improved? Did they ask the staff at care homes or the nurses on the wards? Probably not.

By asking the participants in Memoria to share their personal experiences and feeling about their dementia journey we can all gain a more rounded perspective about how best to interact and care for those diagnosed with the many forms of dementia. After all they are the real experts!

Carri shares her stories in rehearsals

Of course every person’s journey is different but there are clear similarities in every story. We hope that by helping these amazing people get their voices heard that they will be able to raise awareness about dementia and maybe change people’s opinions about the condition.

Over the last few weeks in rehearsals we have all been getting to know each other better. Sometimes this is facilitated by exercises designed by Karin and Alison to guide the group towards particular topics. In one of these exercises some of the group shared photographs that mean something to them or the people they have cared for, it’s incredible how many memories are awoken by a photograph.

As we continue this process of sharing and learning Karin and Alison will be structuring the final performance around the stories that the group have shared throughout the weeks. The rehearsals are a confidential space where everyone in the room trusts each other, so only those stories that the group are happy to share with a wider audience will make their way on to the stage.

Although the performances will have a structure, there will be no formal script. Each member of the group will be able to share what they feel they want to on each particular day and in any way they see fit. The public sharings may include readings of work the group have written, movement pieces or projections of their photographs. It may also include none of these things. Only time will tell!