The Good Times roll into Westlands Care Home

The Good Times offers free sessions specifically designed for adults living with dementia, focusing on involving carers and increasing social interaction.

The Good Times' team took a range of 'reminiscence boxes' to the care home in Oliver Street, with residents encouraged to explore objects from the museum's social history handling collections - including vintage toys and games, Second World War ration books, Home Front posters and cigarette cards.

Residents at the home, including those living with dementia, also had the chance to try arts and crafts at the workshop, which was attended by Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, the council's portfolio holder for partnerships and wellbeing, and Cllr Neil Sandison, partnerships and wellbeing spokesperson for the council's Liberal Democrat group.

Cllr O'Rourke said: "It was wonderful to meet the residents at Westlands and experience first-hand the work of the Good Times project, which has made such a difference for people living with dementia and their carers since launching at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum nearly ten years ago.

"During the workshop at Westlands, the items from the museum's handling collections sparked conversations, triggered memories and created a shared experience which benefited everyone involved."

Rugby Art Gallery and Museum secured a £25,000 grant from the Government's Victory 80 Fund in the summer, funding which aimed to support museums across the country to commemorate this year's 80th anniversaries of VE (Victory in Europe) Day and VJ (Victory over Japan) Day.

The grant means the museum can preserve its Second World War collection for future generations and enhance and expand its handling collections to support the Good Times' work.

Tash Stevens, manager of Westlands Care Home, said: "It's amazing what stories come out when someone spots something familiar from their past.

"These sessions get people chatting and sharing memories, and everyone benefits from that connection.

"We're really grateful to the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum team for giving their time and bringing these wonderful items to our home."

For more information about the Good Times, visit www.ragm.co.uk/good-times