BEAMISH Museum is hosting a programme of activities for Dementia Action Week.

A collection of Beamish-themed printed bags created by people living with dementia or other long-term health conditions, who meet at the museum, have been launched as part of the event.

Primary school children are joining care home residents and support groups to take part in activities, including traditional school lessons, as part of the museum’s intergenerational projects.

Other activities during Dementia Action Week , include singing, gardening, dancing and a guided walk.

Michelle Kindleysides, head of health and wellbeing at Beamish, said: “We’ve got a busy week planned for this year’s Dementia Action Week.

“It's always fantastic to work in partnership with our local branch of the Alzheimer’s Society and to really promote the message that there is support out there for people living with dementia and their families and to help people feel more confident about getting out and about and enjoying things that they always have done.”

Members of Beamish’s Men’s Group and Mindset Group, who are living with dementia or other long-term health conditions, have made tote bags featuring prints of Beamish buildings, transport and objects.

The bags are being in Beamish’s Gift Shop during Dementia Action Week, with proceeds going back towards running the groups.

The members took photos around the museum and then carved printing blocks, which they used to make the bags. The bag project was set up by Phd student Jill Brewster, of Northumbria University, as part of her placement at Beamish.

The groups are part of the museum’s health and wellbeing programmes based at Orchard Cottage, at The 1940s Farm. Michelle said: “We run several different groups during the week aimed at supporting older people, people who are socially isolated and people affected by dementia, as well as their families and carers.”

Danielle Cooper, Alzheimer’s Society area manager, said: “The theme for this year’s Dementia Action Week is inclusion, so it’s wonderful to see Beamish Museum embracing this concept so whole-heartedly. We’re immensely impressed by the wonderful support they give us."