WELCOME TO Living Memories
We bring the past to life with Archive Film programmes and newsreels from the 20th century. Join us to trigger memories, enjoy reminiscing and make new friends.
Reminiscence Resources About Life in the UK in the 20th Century

Living Memories C.I.C. is providing resources and services that help to reduce the isolation and improve the health and wellbeing of older people, particularly those living with dementia, which is now a priority in our communities across the UK.
We are using over 2,500 archive film programmes from the 20th century very kindly licensed to Living Memories C.I.C. by major UK archive collections, to create audio-visual reminiscence resources and services.
These audio-visual resources and services are being used in many ways to help older people, including those living with dementia, to trigger memories which encourage their communication across generations with family, friends and neighbours.
We are currently using archive films as the basis for:
- Developing our Living Memories Online archive film streaming service which offers over 2,500 archive films and newsreels, plus a range of printable reminiscence resources, on a subscription basis for delivery to tablets, mobile phones and other devices and casting to TV. This service can be used at home as well as in Memory Cafés, care and residential homes, hospitals, community Health & Wellbeing Hubs, retirement communities and other locations. For more information please view the website here »
- Creating and publishing an ongoing series of topic-based DVDs, each with a 30+ page Reminiscence Guide, which can be used one-to-one or with groups to run reminiscence sessions or just to stimulate chats about the difference between life today and in the mid-20th century. Many older people will use DVDs, but not the internet, so our award-winning DVDs are ideal for them.
- Encouraging the formation around the UK of our award-winning Tea & Memory community reminiscence groups at which older people meet regularly to watch several archive films and then chat over tea, coffee and biscuits about the memories which are triggered by the films. The social impact of the groups is proving to be very positive, and we are working closely with the NHS Social Prescribing Nurses, who refer patients to our Groups. See 5 minute video of Tavistock Tea & Memories Group here »

Store
Many people who can’t access the Internet, but want to see our archive films in care homes, community groups and in their own home are buying our Living Memories DVDs, each with a 30+ page Reminiscence Guide.
You will buy our current range and can pre-order forthcoming DVDs in our STORE.

Online Streaming
Our online streaming service, LIVING MEMORIES ONLINE offers over 2,600 archive films and newsreels with sub-titles, that reflect the social and industrial history of the UK in the 20th century.
There are over 35 categories of programming to search through and travel back In time. You might have an interest in trains or cars, or perhaps you want to re-visit holiday destinations from your childhood. Alternatively you may want to run a reminiscence session with a group of friends or residents in a local care home.
Programme Lead, Long Term Conditions, NHS Cornwall
Latest News

The Living Memories Story – Yours Magazine
Meet the team making a ‘reel’ difference in this article from the fortnightly ‘Yours’ magazine.

Memory Corner Blog
Do you sometimes smell a scent, hear a tune or see an object and find that you are immediately transported back to a particular place or event in your childhood or teens?
Music Therapy

Musica Music Therapy
Musica is a music and health consultancy with a clear objective to harmonise healthcare by embedding music into dementia care planning. Founded in 2010 by Dr Rosie Mead, Musica is one of the leading music and health organisations in the UK.