Big Hearts Memories
Big Hearts’ reminiscence programme is designed to help older people recall fond memories from the past, using a set of archived images and themed memorabilia.
By stimulating memories and sharing stories, our weekly groups help build positive social connections between participants.
The project is running twice a week at Tynecastle Park in our dedicated community space ‘The Shed’.
- Every Monday: From 1:30pm to 3pm.
- Every Tuesday: From 1:30pm to 3pm.
Big Hearts’ Memories are led by a team of trained Big Hearts volunteers and welcome guests from a wide range of backgrounds, including people living with dementia, stroke survivors, care homes patients and over 65s at high risk of loneliness.
Sessions are free to attend and include a hot drink and a pie/cake. Access is via Wheatfield Street, EH11 2NZ.
Advance registration is essential:
- email kim.ogilvie@bighearts.org.uk
- or call 07443 269 947 (Mon-Wed)
Project background
Football Memories, a pioneering project from Alzheimer’s Scotland and the Scottish Football Museum, was established at Hearts in 2013, gathering older football fans to re-discover iconic players and games. In 2018, Edinburgh Memories was set up by Big Hearts to include local and social history, and encourages participants to explore key-events and life in the capital over the years.
Group sessions
Big Hearts host 2 afternoon sessions every week, where participants are invited to sit around a table and look at photos, newspapers or listen to music and participate in short quizzes. Each session covers both Football Memories and Edinburgh Memories. Our dementia-trained Volunteers are on hand to facilitate the activities and support participants according to their own needs and interests.
Funding partners
The Big Hearts’ Memories programme is currently supported by the National Lottery Awards for All.
