Episode 143: Reminiscence Learning with Fiona Mahoney

Reminiscence Learning with Fiona Mahoney is a moving insight into the essential work carried out by an amazing dementia charity. Having worked as an occupational therapist in the NHS, Fiona set up Reminiscence Learning in 2001, becoming a registered charity in 2003.

Since then, she has created the inspirational Archie Project to help children understand dementia more clearly. Furthermore, Fiona has helped train many healthcare professionals to better manage dementia patients. In addition, Reminiscence has set up carer support groups, and runs respite activity sessions, using memorabilia as a fundamental component of each session.

The charity has won multiple awards and continues to be a beacon of light for those with dementia and their carers. For example, The Archie Project was one of the first to take children into care homes creating a vital link between generations. It plays a vital role in helping young people understand the condition so much better.

To boost the visibility of the charity, Fiona enlisted national treasure Angela Rippon as its patron. What's more, Richard McCourt, one half of TV duo Dick and Dom, became an ambassador. Discover how she successfully recruited two such well-known celebrities.

Naturally, Fiona has to continually drive a comprehensive fund-raising strategy. This year, Reminiscence will be holding a 'Jailbreak' from Shepton Mallet prison. Ten 'convicts' are already lined up for this unique event in May, timed to coincide with Dementia Action Week. Our guest tells us why this event is going to have huge impact.

As a subject matter expert, Fiona has contributed to key research into dementia and was part of a group that wrote a Commonwealth Report showcasing successful models of dementia care. To demonstrate how successful The Archie Project has become, it was included among twenty projects idenitifed across the commonwealth as role-models for future programmes.

We are, of course, The Business Awards Show, and so Fiona explains why awards have been so vital to the development of Reminiscence Learning. Her Charity Champion award at the 2024 Best Businesswomen Awards was a real triumph, and as she explains, totally unexpected.

Our discussion highlights the case for optimism in dementia care, and how a small charity can have a massive impact. Fiona shares her learnings from her years running the charity, and for anyone seeking help with a dementia patient, or wanting to know more, this is the best possible entry point.

 

 

 

{2:52} Why Fiona started Reminiscence Learning.

{8:08} The Archie Project.

{15:30} Linking children with care homes.

{17:34} Reminiscence's celebrity patrons.

{20:26} The importance of awards to the charity.

{23:56} Creating unique fundraising events.

{27:04} Learnings from over twenty years of running a charity.

{29:18} Contributing to a commonwealth report on dementia.

 

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Fiona: https://www.reminiscencelearning.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReminiscenceLearning/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reminiscence_learning/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reminiscence-learning/

Jailbreak: https://www.reminiscencelearning.co.uk/events

The Archie Project: https://www.reminiscencelearning.co.uk/archie