Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland War Museum creates free 'Blitz 80 Reminiscence Pack'

Belfast Mayor Frank McCoubrey and Michael Fryer, Northern Ireland War Museum Outreach Officer, deliver a Blitz 80 Reminiscence Pack to Michelle Sargent, Deputy Manager of Cairnmartin Court Care Home
Belfast Mayor Frank McCoubrey and Michael Fryer, Northern Ireland War Museum Outreach Officer, deliver a Blitz 80 Reminiscence Pack to Michelle Sargent, Deputy Manager of Cairnmartin Court Care Home Belfast Mayor Frank McCoubrey and Michael Fryer, Northern Ireland War Museum Outreach Officer, deliver a Blitz 80 Reminiscence Pack to Michelle Sargent, Deputy Manager of Cairnmartin Court Care Home

The Northern Ireland War Museum had created a free pack to mark the eightieth anniversary of the Belfast Blitz.

The pack, which is being delivered to care homes and community groups, contains various resources which will allow older people to engage with the story of the air raids at a time when they cannot visit museums and memorials.

The resources highlight objects and stories from the museum's collection to create an engaging and multi-sensory experience.

It is also hoped the pack will empower care home staff to encourage reminiscence which can be an enjoyable pastime for all, but especially beneficial to people living with dementia.

The Reminiscence 80 Packs also include guidance on how to conduct a successful reminiscence session, first-hand accounts of the Belfast Blitz, photographs and images to stimulate conversations, a CD of wartime music and eye-witness accounts of the blitz, and instructions for a commemorative craft activity.

The packs have been created by Michael Fryer, the Northern Ireland War Museum's Outreach Officer and graphically designed by John McMillan, Emeritus Professor of Graphic Design.