The Still Curious project was a two year funded project delivered at the Red House Museum, Christchurch. The project was focused on increasing the accessibility and enjoyment of the local heritage for people with dementia and their carers, by creating new dementia-friendly programmes of activities.
Activities included Dementia-Friendly Heritage Health Walks; a programme of activity sessions, similar to ‘Memory Cafes’, which we have named ‘Curiosity Cafes’; and a collection of mystery object handling boxes we have named ‘Curiosity Boxes’.
Each activity aims to stimulate discussion, to get people more active and create warm, sociable environments in which people with dementia and their carers feel welcomed and supported.
The project also involved creating an accessible community activity space on the ground floor of the museum, and the recruitment, training and development of a team of volunteers who are vital in ensuring the long term sustainability of the programmes.
The project was been made possible through funding by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Friends of the Red House Museum and Colten Care.
Get Involved as A Volunteer
Volunteers are crucial to the legacy of this project. They are responsible for supporting the planning, preparation and delivery of activities and events aimed at people with early to mid-stage dementia and their carers.
As a Volunteer you will work closely with other volunteers, and receive training and support to ensure you are fully able and confident to carry out the tasks within the role. Volunteers are trained to lead Heritage Health Walks under the nationally recognised Health Walk scheme, receive full health and safety training and are expected to participate in dementia-friendly awareness training to receive recognition as a Dementia-Friend.
We are looking for people who are:
- able to work as part of a team and take the initiative when necessary
- able to work under pressure and have good time management skills
- willing to receive training
- able to follow guidelines and instructions and adhere to safe working practices
If you have a good character, are patient and empathic, you can apply to this exciting opportunity by filling the Application Form below: