During lockdown many people experienced loneliness and isolation due to lack of contact with friends and family.  
 
'In my footsteps' is a My Heritage Trail project which aims to bring families together again by talking about the past — a positive way for people in the early stages of dementia to reconnect with the younger members in their family by sharing their memories and stories. 
 
'In my footsteps' will be a series of workshops encouraging people to create their own heritage trails — based on experiences of where they grew up; went to school; lived and worked — while working collaboratively with family or friends. 
 
Participants will have access to maps, old photographs, local history books and digital resources to prompt memories and discussion. All activities will be suitable for both children and older adults in the early stages of dementia. 
 
The format of the workshops will be as follows: 
 

Introductory workshop  
What is a heritage trail? Find out more about the project and learn how to create a personalised heritage trail.  
 
Creative writing workshop  
Using personal treasured objects and photographs to spark memories, each person will be encouraged to produce a short piece of creative writing to include in their heritage trail.  
 
Memory box workshop  
Each person will make a small memory box to store treasured items - old photographs, newspaper cuttings and other memorabilia.  

The 'In my footsteps' project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund as part of the Northumberland Thriving Communities project.  

If you are interested in this project and would like to find out more, please contact us at inmyfootsteps@northumberland.gov.uk