Testimonials

I really enjoyed doing the project. I especially loved seeing the reactions on the couples faces, once the project had finished, and we presented the finished project to them. It was an inspirational and spectacular experience. Helping the couple make the presentation and the artwork made me learn a lot about the past of our town and I loved learning about their adventures during life. It was an amazing experience and I would definitely encourage others to participate in the future.

Alsager Partnership and Alsager School have worked together in the local community for a number of years and we are proud to have been able to support this amazing project.

This unique use of Microsoft sway software by Lee Whitmarsh has captured the imagination of many of our town’s residents. It will I am sure inspire many schools across the country and beyond, to encourage people living with dementia and their families to engage in producing their personal Sway Life Stories.

This initiative works on so many levels to stimulate memories and engage people affected by dementia in conversation about their lives. Participants quickly get to know the students allocated to them as together they explore the items that will become part of their own sway. Many stay in contact after the sessions end.

A really wonderful idea!

We really enjoyed the Sway project as it allowed us to talk to a number of couples and learn about their important life stories that they have wanted to share.  Being part of the Sway project has been an amazing experience and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it!

 ‘We were introduced to the students who were very friendly… I could talk to the students and tell them about my life…the artwork was like a therapy working alongside other couples sharing your memories.  John recalled memories that I didn’t know about and we have been married 50 years…it’s more than I expected, it was marvellous the way the students put it together. We talk more about the past, we talk about the Sway, we proudly show visitors our collages, it’s a talking point.’

‘Everyone is cooperating and working together for one goal, to make Alsager dementia friendly and to improve the lives of people living with dementia.’

‘Thank you for including my husband in your latest Sway project, we so enjoyed ‘joining’ with you and your lovely students – and your kindness in so many ways!

The end result is much appreciated, and we share the Sway quiet regularly ourselves and with our family and friends.

Thank you again!

Participating in the Dementia Project was a great experience for me. I enjoyed creating the Sway Life Story projects and making the collage. I liked meeting the lovely people involved and working with them to create special things to them. It was really fun and I enjoyed it.

I thought the Sway project was something entirely unique, and was a real eye opener. Since my granny has Parkinson’s, I feel I can understand her much better now- indeed, I would love to create a Sway for my grandparents, since it helped Christine and John so much.