Life Story legacy celebrated in Lords

A scheme that aims to improve the lives and quality of care for dementia sufferers will be celebrated at the House of Lords on Monday.

The Life Story Network helps to compact the lives of dementia patients into short stories and books which can be passed to carers or younger family members, and has been recognised nationally since the Prime Minister launched his Challenge on Dementia programme.

Life story started in Oldham with Ken Holt, a family carer who created a life story book for his wife as she moved into residential care in 2003.

Mr Holt, who died in September 2010 aged 82, was instrumental in promoting the idea, which involved documenting his wife Alice’s life history through family, friends and memories to help the staff caring for her.

The Life Story Group was formed in Oldham and completed a pilot scheme in 2005, which resulted in the distribution of 200 pocket books to carers, day-care centres, hospital wards, residential homes and Age Concern. Mr Holt won a Pride in Oldham award for this work in 2005.

The Life Story Network is now used across the country for vulnerable population groups such as those with learning disabilities, and anyone with mental and physical disabilities.

The House of Lords event, sponsored by Baroness Sally Greengross, will see those involved in The Life Story Network invited to a reception to celebrate its achievements.