Old black and white films came to life on a cinematic screen as part of a dementia-friendly day with schoolchildren in Liverpool.

Children ages’ five to 10 from St Cuthbert’s Primary School enjoyed stepping back in time with residents at Riverside’s St Anne’s Court Retirement Living scheme to learn all about the bygone days, and how to help people with dementia.

A variety of nostalgic activities was organised for the dementia-friendly event at the Old Swan scheme, including a pop-up cinema that showed a collection of old films through the ages. Games of old were played and a memory box containing fancy dress evoked memories of the past and childhood days.

Children were especially impressed with the beautiful paintings created by John Furlong, a 67-year-old resident at St Anne’s Court who has suffered a stroke which has affected his memory.

Jackie Hilton, Learning Support Manager at St Cuthbert’s Primary School in Old Swan, said: “We really enjoyed our visit to St Anne’s Court, meeting everyone and becoming a Dementia Friend. The children chatted all the way back to school about their time there.

“They were blown away with John’s paintings, but also felt sad that he could not remember painting them. They are now going to tell their friends about becoming a Dementia Friend.”

The day was part of the Marvellous Memories campaign, organised by Riverside’s Health and Wellbeing Service who plan and deliver monthly events and activities for residents’ in Retirement Living schemes across the country.

Kelli Melloy, Riverside’s Health and Wellbeing Manager at the event, said: “Residents enjoyed a great morning of activities with children and sharing their memories with them.

“All the children received a Dementia Friendly badge and learnt why it is important to adapt and help someone with dementia.”

Riverside has more than 200 Retirement Living schemes across the country and many are being renovated and decorated to dementia-friendly standards. In addition to the cinema ‘reminiscence pod’, there is also a pop-up kitchen and living room, an old-fashioned pub and the interior of a corner shop used by Riverside customers and staff.

To find out more about Riverside’s Retirement Living services visit: www.riverside.org.uk/find-a-home/retirement-living