Driven by her personal experience caring for family members diagnosed with dementia and the common misconceptions of the disease, Sandra Hastings sets up Silverline Memories with the aims of bringing joy, care, and support for people living with dementia.
Caring for dementia over a cuppa, singing and more.
During her experience supporting both her father-in-law and grandmother who were diagnosed with dementia, Sandra Hastings was left frustrated with the stereotypical and stigmatised activities that were available to people affected by the disease.
“It was activities that I will not want to do,” said Sandra.
“Although the care and support were fantastic, but in terms of giving that person fun in their lives, it was very limited. And there was no joy – there is so much joy to be found in life. Even with a dementia diagnosis, you should not take that away.”
– Sandra Hastings
To know more about the common misconceptions people have of dementia, listen to this short excerpt of my interview with Sandra.
Setting up Silverline Memories
When Sandra left the corporate world after venturing in the business sector for years, she decided to look for another occupation she could spend her time doing while bringing up her children.
Sandra started studying a Masters degree to becoming a social worker. However, she realised there were limitations of budget restraints and statutory guidelines to the support she could give as a social worker.
In December 2013, she set up Silverline Memories – a charity that supports families that are affected by dementia in the North East of England.
According to statistics from Alzheimer’s Society, there are over 850,000 people with dementia in the UK. The numbers predicted to rise to over a million in 2025.
With the help from Big Lottery Awards, Silverline Memories was able to obtain monetary funding to start off the charity organisation.
Silverline Memories provides a range of social opportunities and support services such as:
- Dementia Café
- Tea Dances
- Lunch Clubs
- Dementia Carers Support Groups
- Day Trips
The Dementia Café
I managed to pop by one of the Dementia Café sessions which is held every Monday, from 1PM to 3PM, in the Community Room at St. Aidan’s Church, in Brunton Park, Gosforth.
They also have another Dementia Café on every second Tuesday of the month at The Pavillion in Helford Road, Peterlee.
This session features Silverline Sings which takes place only on the first Monday of the month.
Click on the arrows on this photo gallery for a photo essay of what I observed during the entire session:
The Dementia Cafe starts off with a social session for attendees and the volunteers to chat and catch up over a cup of tea and biscuits. 
An attendee showing Sandra a video of his granddaughter’s cheerleading performance in school. 
Representative from Disability North, Keith Moore, sharing more about benefits and the support provided by them when completing forms. 
Attendees listening to the talk provided by Disability North – a charity organisation that provides information, advice and support for the disabled, elderlies and their families to make more informed choices related to all aspects of disabilities. 
A leaflet with more information about Disability North was provided for all the attendees. 
Vintage singer, Kayley Cares, hosting the Silverline Sings sessions. 
Attendees of the Dementia Cafe putting on their name tags for each other. 
A quick chatting session as a warm up before the activity begins. 
Kayley starting off the sessions with a greeting song and a handshake with everyone in the room. 
Kayley passing out either a pom-pom or a small bean bag to each attendee for the first activity. 
An attendee singing while passing the beanbag back and forth. This is an activity designed to stimulate memories and cognitive function. 
The next activity is for attendees to imagine playing an instrument with their hands while singing. 
Attendees are then given various instruments ranging from mini maracas to tambourines to harmonise with the song. 
The Silverline Sings session coming to a close with another greeting song and a handshake. 
An attendee having a short chat with Sandra before leaving. 
Attendees preparing to leave the cafe as the session comes to a close. 
A volunteer clearing up the cups and plates towards the end of the session. 
Attendees making a move and heading back home. 
Attendees and their carers making their way back home from the Dementia Cafe. 
Or check out this video interview I did with Sandra during the Silverline Sings session.
Silverline Memories is also looking for volunteers! If you are keen on being a part of the team, more details can be found at: https://silverlinememories.com/volunteer-with-us/
Alternatively, you can follow their Twitter or Facebook page for updates on their upcoming events.
Hopefully you guys enjoyed this article! Leave a comment (or a positive message) down below about your thoughts on Silverline Memories.
See you guys on my next post!
Stay tea-rrific and positive!
– Dalene 🍵
