Beamish Museum is famous for its faithful recreations of the past - but these days what the museum provides for people with health and wellbeing issues from anxiety to dementia is equally vital, and backed by medics in the region.
Beamish has a dedicated health and wellbeing programme, run by Michelle Kindleysides out of the Orchard Cottage there. Michelle told ChronicleLive how the museum's team were expanding what they offer to people with a range of additional needs, from music sessions and wellbeing walks to men's groups for those with dementia.
The team also invite care home groups in and now take referrals from GPs surgeries in County Durham for weekly social sessions as part of the drive towards "social prescribing" - where GPs help signpost sometimes vulnerable people towards helpful community services.
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Michelle said: "We welcome lots of care home groups but we have recently branched out and increase the range of people we work with. Everyone assumes that we do lots of reminiscing, and we do, but it's not the be all and end all.
"We're in the 1940s cottage and we have tea in the teapot but after that, we do all sorts. Some groups do like to reminisce but for others it's not what they're here for. We work with a much broader range of people now. We run groups where people living with dementia can come and chat. People can meet others in the same boat.
"Our men's groups are very popular. We have two groups now, one is mental health support and the other is for those living with dementia. We still start with a cup of tea but it's about mindful activities and using the skills people have. Some members have in the past taught others woodworking skills."
Michelle explained that the current programme encompassed wellbeing walks - including a "best foot forward" dementia-friendly walking group on Mondays - along with musical group stwice a week, the men's groups, and the Canny Cuppa mental health group.
She added; "Obviously the pandemic affected what we do but over the past year we have been able to put together a really diverse programme. Our walking groups are sociable but they're also a way of getting fresh air and exercise at the same time.
"At the end of the day, things can be really hard for many, but it's really great that we are able to see people making friendships and see their self-confidence improve. For some, actually leaving their house and coming to a group where they don't know anyone is a massive step. It's about helping people to feel relaxed and comfortable."
Diane Sawyers, a specialist occupational therapist at the Derwent Clinic in Shotley Bridge, said: "Working together with Michelle and the staff at Beamish has been such a rewarding experience. Together we created ‘Best foot forward’ a walking group for people with memory impairment and it has exceeded our expectations.
"The walkers have really benefited from the contact with others and exercise in such beautiful surroundings. It has given them purpose and structure to their week as well as the confidence to start going out more after the pandemic. Stories have been shared, many laughs had and there has been a real sense of community and connectedness.."
Diane said groups like this "gave people meaning and hope", adding that she hoped to work with the museum team to further create opportunities to help those with mental health difficulties in the local area.
Alex Carver, a social prescribing link worker at the Chester-le-Street primary care network, added: ""The team at Beamish Museum are doing a great job to improve the wellbeing of our patients in the local area. The museum provides a safe environment for patients to connect and rediscover a common interest in the history of the North East. We hope that the 'canny cuppa' group will encourage new friendships to form, making a difference to our patients and reducing isolation."
To find out more about the programme of activities and how to become involved, visit beamish.org.uk/health-wellbeing/
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