Reception at the Senedd: Book of You: Digital Life Reminiscence and Dementia

Tuesday 26th September 2017 was a big day for us.  We were holding a lunchtime reception at the Senedd in Cardiff to spread the word about the importance of Life Reminiscence for people living with dementia, and how Book of You can help in the process.

The event was sponsored by Rhun ap Iorwerth, AM, who represents Ynys Mon at the Welsh Assembly, and was attended by specially invited people, including Older People’s Commissioner, Sarah Rochira and representatives from Welsh Government, Bridgend Council, Carers Wales, Community Foundation in Wales, Wales Co-op Centre, Care and Repair and EMIS Healthcare.

Following on from Rhun’s introduction, Tom and Kathy, Book of You Directors, began by explaining what Book of You is, how it works and some of the successful projects we’ve run over the years.

A film was shown which starred two of our recent Book of You users.  They talked about the difference using the app has made to their lives.   Later on, Professor Bob Woods then spoke on film about the importance of life story work, and in particular digital life story work, on those living with dementia and their carers.

Following the talk, Tom and Kathy had time to chat to the attendees and answer questions and demonstrate the app itself on tablet devices.   As we have recently improved and simplified the app with the help of LiveTech, as well as improving our website, it is very simple to demonstrate,  with everything necessary to create the pages being within the device itself.

The event was a great opportunity to meet potential partners and Book of You look forward to working with agencies in South Wales in the near future.

*photograph by Derek Walker, WCC