Active Minds programme goes online

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has developed a new series of videos and online resources as part of its Active Minds Memory programme.

Already a well-established face-to-face programme for people who have concerns about their memory, the development means it is now available in an online format for the first time.

It provides users with practical advice and information on understanding how memory works, recall activities, memory reminders, home safety, communication, managing medication, diet, exercise, stress and relaxation.

Staff from a range of disciplines have been involved in creating the resources, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians, nursing and pharmacy staff.

Specialist Occupational Therapist Lorna Adams, who developed the original programme, said: “With the onset of COVID and the challenges of service users not being able to travel to the face-to-face programme in Whiteabbey Hospital, we worked with service users to extend our reach through a series of nine videos and online resources.

“We made a successful application to the HSC Research Funds Committee last year and the project would not have been possible without this financial support for which we are very grateful.

“We now hope we will be able to help more people who are living with concerns about their memory by making the programme accessible to a wider audience.”

Service user feedback 

“Everything was of help, ideas, personal tips on memory, exercises, diet information, storage of medication and coping with everyday experiences”.

“The sessions were extremely useful.  I hope to take what I have learned with me and put them to good use”.

“I thoroughly enjoyed all the items and I am grateful I was given the opportunity to learn about using my memory”.

“I found out that I was not alone and some of the things that happened to me had happened to others”.

To view the new resources go to www.northerntrust.hscni.net/services/day-rehabilitation-unit/active-minds-memory-programme/

23rd August 2024