Christmas Appeal
Memories Matter
No one should feel forgotten, especially at Christmas. Yet in Brighton & Hove, nearly 40% of people aged over 65 live with loneliness all or most of the time.
That’s why our Memories Matter Project focuses on these communities, bringing free, joyful reminiscence sessions directly to the places where they’re needed most. Using vintage clothing, memorabilia, and shared storytelling, we help bring cherished memories to life with immersive sessions that encourage a sense of fun and belonging.
Why do older communities need our support?
Every life is a story worth telling, and through the lens of nostalgic styles,
music and memorabilia, older people are transported back to their youth
and supported in being sociable and connecting with their peers.
By evoking personal memories, we’re not just listening to the past
– we’re celebrating it together.
Reminiscence boxes play a central role in sparking memories and igniting conversation. Filled with era-specific items, vintage clothing, and everyday objects, they invite people to re-live and share treasured moments in their lives. Equally accessible to people living with dementia or Alzheimer's, their sensory nature can unlock long-forgotten memories and give everyone a voice.
At the heart of it all are our dedicated, longstanding volunteers, who take the time to truly listen.
By honouring the voices of their elders, they offer companionship, recognition,
and a feeling of being truly valued. Together, we’re creating welcoming spaces
where memories matter, and no one feels unheard.
“I love to see the smile it brings to people’s faces. It starts with ‘I remember when...’ and their eyes start twinkling, and they open up. Some haven’t stepped out of their house all week, some have had harsh lives, and being there to reminisce with them about their happier times, well, it warms me. I come away feeling I’ve got my own memories from a special moment.” Marilyn Fuller, Volunteer
What impact do these sessions have for older people in our community?
Creative play is a powerful way to support wellbeing at any age.
68% of people recognise the mental health benefits of drama and creative expression (Arts Council).
We see this in action in our sessions, where dressing up in vintage garb invites laughter and shared joy.
It’s a playful, inclusive way to connect, sparking memories, stories, and moments
of recognition that can reach beyond words.
Memories Matter is more than a gathering; it’s a free, welcoming, and warm space for older members of our community who depend on it, especially those facing isolation and financial barriers. This is most keenly felt in the areas of disadvantage
where our work is focused, and is especially important during the Christmas period.
"I do believe, dressing up, it's being something that you're not, so that just for a moment, you're going to be a soldier, or a sailor, or an acrobat if you want! I see the look on people's faces here; they're all enjoying every minute of it, and that's just what we really need."
Len, Chatterboxes, Moulsecoomb
“At our age, you can get really isolated and it’s important to intermingle. The smell, colour, texture of old-time clothing and objects jogs your memory and gets you talking with the others. One memory sparks another; happy days. It’s good for our brains and good for our health.
Please come back.”
Val, Robert Lodge 50+ Group
How Can Your Help?
In these ever-challenging times, when you donate HERE you are helping to bring older people in our community together
offering them joyful, inclusive experiences in warm spaces across the city.
If you are staging an event over the festive season, you could help raise funds for Memories Matter.
Could you: Donate a percentage of proceeds from your event?
Add a donation function to Ticket sales?
Donate proceeds of programme sales or a raffle?
If you're a business that would like to fundraise or match fund our appeal, please contact us.
Your Support Brings Connection, Belonging, and Joy.
Give the gift of Companionship and Joy this Christmas,
and together we can brighten someone’s world.
Every contribution to Memories Matters helps us sustain these
essential community gatherings.
With your support, we can continue to reduce isolation and bring memories to life.
Please support our appeal
Join us in bringing memories to life.
Because when we gather to share, memories truly do matter.