Our Charity of the Year 2026: Reminiscence Learning

We are proud to name Reminiscence Learning as our 2026 Charity of the Year. Based in Wellington, Somerset, this award-winning organisation provides vital creative therapy and support for those navigating dementia and their carers across the Westcountry.

Our partnership is inspired by Chief Executive Fiona Mahoney, winner of The Community Award. Her innovative leadership and dedication have transformed regional dementia care through initiatives like the Archie Project, which connects schools and care homes to reduce stigma and foster intergenerational joy.

Throughout 2026, we look forward to championing their mission and raising vital funds to help them build a more dementia-friendly, inclusive, and compassionate future for our community.

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Your donation provides vital dementia care and connection!

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Learn about Reminiscence Learning

About Reminiscence Learning

Reminiscence Learning was created and founded by Fiona Mahoney an Occupational Therapist (OT) who has experience in both physical and mental health. She has worked in the NHS and set up her own medical equipment company “The Making Life Easier Centre” in 1985. As a qualified reflexologist, Bach flower practitioner and OT she ran her own private business, linking in with the medical centres and the Nuffield hospital.

Whilst working for the Somerset Partnership NHS Mental Health Trust in the mid-90s, Fiona set up the Penny Farthing Reminiscence Centre in Wellington, Somerset and it was here that the embryo of an idea was born to train both staff and the general public in how to run reminiscence sessions.

In 2001 Fiona set up Reminiscence Learning and it became a registered charity in 2003. The charity has changed and developed over the years. It is now a National and Regional multi-award winning registered charity.

It started in Wellington, moved to Bishops Lydeard, Taunton and then in 2015 we moved back to Wellington. It has grown and changed over the years responding to individual and community needs, specialising in dementia care, activity and reminiscence.

We pride ourselves in being a dynamic, forward thinking and innovative charity who put the needs of the client and carer first and listen to their thoughts and requests.

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Dementia Inclusive Initiative

Wellington in Somerset is on route to become the first “Dementia Inclusive” town in the South West!

​Thanks to a huge £279,788 from the National Lottery ‘Reaching Communities’ Fund our charity can to drive the ambitious project forward over the next three years.

A Dementia Inclusive Community is where the local community supports people living with dementia – everyone from the Local Authority to shops and businesses – to fully participate in society.

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The services offered by the charity

Reminiscence Learning provides a dynamic range of services designed to foster joy, reduce isolation, and provide practical support for those living with dementia. Their Respite Activity Sessions (RAS) and Activity Angels offer essential, high-quality engagement for individuals while giving family carers much-needed time to recharge. Beyond traditional care, their Carer Support Groups create a safe space for sharing experiences, ensuring that those supporting loved ones never have to navigate the journey alone.

The charity is also a leader in intergenerational and community-based connection. Their flagship Archie Project bridges the gap between local schools and care homes to dispel the stigma of dementia through education and play. From Creative Outdoor Projects that embrace nature to Community Sessions like “Together in Sport” and the “Memory Activity Group,” they use movement and creativity to keep our Westcountry community active, connected, and firmly rooted in the present.

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Donations Welcomed

As a small charity with a HUGE impact, every donation we receive goes directly toward sustaining the vital lifelines we provide for those living with dementia and their dedicated carers. From our specialized training and Respite Activity Sessions to our innovative intergenerational projects, your support ensures that no one in the Westcountry has to face the challenges of memory loss alone.

Your contribution helps us keep the Archie Project thriving in local schools, funds our Activity Angels, and keeps our Carer Support Groups free and accessible. By donating today, you are providing more than just a service—you are providing joy, dignity, and a sense of belonging to families navigating their most difficult days.

Please consider supporting Reminiscence Learning to help us continue our award-winning work across the region. Whether it’s a one-off gift or a monthly pledge, your generosity allows us to stay firmly rooted in our community, proving that even a small team can change the world for those who need it most.

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Singing For Fun

Wellington’s dementia-friendly community choir

Singing For Fun is Wellington’s vibrant, dementia-friendly community choir, dedicated to bringing people together through the universal language of music. Designed to be inclusive and uplifting, the choir provides a safe, supportive space where those living with memory loss, their carers, and local residents can share in the joy of singing. There are no auditions and no pressure—just a friendly atmosphere where the focus is on connection, well-being, and the pure fun of performing classic hits and seasonal favorites.

Beyond the music, the choir serves as a vital social hub that combats isolation within the Westcountry. By participating in these harmonious sessions, members experience the proven therapeutic benefits of singing, which can help stimulate memory and improve mood. It is a shining example of how Reminiscence Learning fosters intergenerational bonds and community spirit, proving that a shared song can create lasting smiles and a stronger sense of belonging for everyone involved.

Support the “Small Charity with a HUGE Impact”

Your donation provides vital dementia care and connection!

MAKE A DONATION

Let’s champion change together.

Incredible things happen when we hold space for one another. Whether you’re an individual ready to thrive or a sponsor looking to make a real West Country impact, your voice matters.
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