Lifelong learning project funded in Falkirk wins top award

Archaeology Scotland’s project ‘Lifelong Learning in Lockdown’, funded by Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership, has won a prestigious award.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The project aimed to support people living with dementia to connect with their local heritage through innovative engagement practises over online workshops.

Lifelong Learning in Lockdown was the joint winner in the Engagement and Participation category of the Archaeological Achievement Awards, and was the only organisation in Scotland to receive an award at the ceremony.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dementia and Alzheimers patients across central Scotland were supported through the workshops made possible by funding from Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership and support from Alzheimer Scotland.

Objects for multi-sensory online projectObjects for multi-sensory online project
Objects for multi-sensory online project

The classes used a practical approach while focusing on new learning techniques to improve the lives of people living with dementia.

Read More
Linlithgow residents protest to keep Black Bitch pub name

The project was noted for its approach, focus, and digital adaptation to engage with vulnerable groups who were shielding in lockdown.

Around twenty-five people living with dementia and their carers regularly attended the monthly Archaeology Club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Each session looked at the archaeology of a local place and considered a key archaeological concept or technique, from stratigraphy to stable isotope analysis.

Touted as ‘an engaging and multisensory experience’, the workshops posted packs of objects to participants before each meeting.

Untreated sheep’s wool brought the Viking spinning process to life, with all it’s interesting smells.

Participants also got the tactile experience of holding a Neolithic polished stone axehead.

One family member commented on the workshops:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“They were so engaging and informative, and it was such a pleasure taking part in the interactive activities. We are looking forward to future sessions".

Thank you for reading this article on our free-to-read website. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a subscription to our print newspaper to help fund our trusted, fact-checked journalism.