DEMENTIA sufferers will benefit from an innovative project launched by Haslemere Museum.

Heritage consultant Padmini Broomfield has been appointed to deliver reminis- cence sessions and will visit care homes and day centres offering stimulating opportunities for dementia sufferers.

The project has been funded by Haslemere Challice Community Fund and the Community Foundation for Surrey, with further funding from the South East Museums development programme.

Padmini has spent more than 20 years working with museums, libraries and archives to widen community engagement and participation through oral history, reminiscence, and art-based activities.

She recently completed an apprenticeship in reminiscence arts in dementia care and past clients have included English Heritage, British Council, Southampton City Council and Age Concern Hampshire.

Padmini will develop themed ‘loan boxes’ and support materials for her sessions using the museum’s diverse collection.

The museum’s Kay Topping said: “We are delighted to be undertaking this project which will enable those with dementia to benefit from our remarkable collections by making them more accessible. It is fantastic to see our work can continue to be extended beyond the museum walls and into care homes.

“We are extremely grateful to all our funders for enabling this new project to happen.”