Photographers share archive for dementia patients

One of the photographs included in the display was of the Redcar blast furnace which was demolished in 2022

A photography club was among those that created a collection of pictures and music memorabilia to help patients with dementia or delirium.

The new installation outside of an elderly care ward at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton will help trigger memories and conversations, the hospital trust said.

Chairman of the Stockton Camera Club, Steve Smith, said members had plundered a "whole myriad of things" from their archives including iconic structures like the Redcar steelworks and cars of the past.

Dr Rachel Hodson, consultant in elderly care, said it would provide a "focus point and enable therapeutic conversations between patients and their families or staff members".

More than 60 images of local landmarks, pastimes and music performances were collated, including from Stockton Globe Trust volunteers and Guisborough Camera Club.

Mr Smith said helping the hospital had been "fulfilling" for the club members.

"There were a few pictures of the old Redcar steelworks which I think for people that worked there for a number of years will jog memories," he said.

He said the area had a rich industrial heritage, beautiful landscapes including the moors and the coast, and football teams that many people have taken heart.

"We're ideally placed," Mr Smith said, adding: "There's always something to photograph."

Football teams, iconic buildings and old cars were featured in the display

Volunteers from across Teesside helped collate the images

Therapy teams were also given binders of the photos to use when they worked with patients and staff have been taking patients from wards to look at the images.

Senior project support officer, Donna Fairhurst, from the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust said the display had been "really positively received already".

"This project is particularly close to my heart as my grandmother lived with dementia prior to her passing away in 2019," she said.

"I wanted to do something to support others affected by the condition."