Connect the past with the present
Connecting a person’s past with their present is an effective and rewarding way to spark those all important inter-generational connections, which we wanted to achieve with our Memory Bank films.

Finding ways to trigger memories and get people talking about subjects we are all familiar with is especially useful - even more so for people living with dementia or those recovering from a stroke, when it can be difficult to find common conversation points.

Triggers for conversation
Reliving memories and telling stories provides a fascinating insight for everyone in the family, it’s amazing how often you can find out something new about even your closest relatives. So much the better if you have the triggers to make it happen.

When we created Memory Bank we selected archive films along familiar themes - holidays, schooldays, special events - so that even with the widest of age gaps, the delight of watching something together, and sharing experiences that we have, gets everyone involved.

Scrapbooks and photos
Many families will have albums of photographs, and doing something together like making scrapbooks or slideshows is another great way to actively involve everyone.

An annotated scrapbook is a fun way to show the difference between growing up now and then. Compare holiday snaps, or school photographs, and ask questions to prompt memories: Where was the picture taken? Who was there?

Home movies
Many of us also have family films and videos as well: home movies that have been taken over the years, but often remain on the original film format, or slides and video tapes.

So what can you do?
1) Take advice from your nearest regional film archive

2) Try organising your material in a way that highlights points for conversations: focus on recognisable faces, or special events like weddings, christenings and birthdays.

Technology for all
There are lots of apps to create digital slideshows: involve kids and teens with scanning old pictures, or editing short videos and choosing a soundtrack. Or download ready made films from our Memory Bank website, they come with notes and information, so all you need to do is press play and you're away!

Props and Memory Boxes
We've had lots of positive feedback about the ideas in Memory Bank packs, which help you get even more out of watching the films and sparking memories.

Making a memory box can include tactile items, familiar scents - old postcards and a stick of rock for a holiday-theme, or marbles and some chalk for a schooldays theme.

These activities help piece together the experiences gathered across a lifetime. By spending time sharing stories, you are creating new memories of times together that grandchildren may remember and share when they become grandparents themselves.

To download film clips or find out more visit Memory Bank.