Age Exchange | Using creativity to unlock the future

Age Exchange is an arts charity providing creative group activities for those living with dementia and their carers

This year we celebrate 40 years working in reminiscence and dementia support using the creative arts. The charity began as a theatre company exploring inter-generational reminiscence and storytelling. A theatre of memories; a reminiscence theatre celebrating the past and the present. We have collected the many memories in the numerous books that we have published. Thanks to generous funding and donations we were able to branch into reminiscence workshops, training and research. By 1987 we were able to launch our Reminiscence Centre in Blackheath (now our Community Cafe which directly supports the work of the charity) which was opened by our former patron Glenda Jackson. Many projects followed both in the UK and across Europe. Thanks to funding partners Age Exchange relocated our successful reminiscence practice into dementia projects, community outreach, youth theatre and expanded our schools programme. By 1995 we are able to upgrade our infamous Bakehouse Theatre space into a renowned reminiscence arts and training centre. With our new partner, Community Integrated Care, we continue to write our own story and help others unlock and understand their own.

Our unique mission is to bring arts, culture and creative expression into the lives of thousands of people who draw upon social care, live with dementia and face isolation.

Creative Dementia programme

Our Creative Dementia programme delivers a wide range of support for people with dementia and their families and carers including outreach and targeted care services. Our ground breaking unique dementia intervention practice RADIQL™ uses Reminiscence Arts to deliver dementia services in a wide variety of settings. Our expertise includes outreach to community arts projects, care home person-centred care and arts based groups for the carers of those with dementia. We have creative dementia projects in Blackheath, across Lambeth and in Finchley and national projects with our partner Community Integrated Care.

Creativity and conversations can connect with people living with dementia in incredible ways and in doing so, change their lives for the better. Whilst a person’s ability to communicate with words may decline with the development of dementia, art and creativity is a universal joy and a tool for self-expression that remains, even as the condition progresses.

Our unique approach to dementia intervention has an incredible impact of quality of life, helping people to rediscover their voice, their ability to dance or simply to have fun again.

Age Exchange’s unique approach to working creatively. The practice and exploration of lived experience through the arts.

Community groups and classes enabling people to make friends and learn new skills. We also offer space hire with online booking

An inspirational space in Blackheath with a cafe, library and a range of classes. Plan your visit


Skip to content