To mark Dementia Action Week, staff and residents at a care home in Wisbech were gifted memory boxes filled with retro Cadbury chocolate bars.

The idea came about through Cadbury’s work with Alzheimer’s Research UK, following requests from care homes and dementia support groups to the Cadbury archives for packaging no longer in circulation.

Alongside Alzheimer’s Research UK, the business is working to create a nostalgic experience for those living with dementia, featuring iconic Dairy Milk bars, from as far back as 1915 until the present day.

Staff and residents at Rose Lodge used the Cadbury Memory Bar boxes at their recent afternoon tea when the Mayor and Mayoress of Wisbech attended to mark Dementia Action week.

The home also invited Steve Carmel to sing a medley of classic songs to their residents to take them back down memory lane.

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Jane Ritchie, activities co-ordinator at Barchester’s Rose Lodge Care Home in Wisbech, said: “An activity that we have found to be beneficial in improving cognition and mood is designing group activities to help residents reminisce and take a trip back through time – a great way of stimulating conversation.

“Through its Memory Bar Boxes, Cadbury has brought joy to generations of people. The memorable wrappers brought positive happy stimuli during these activities and provided an opportunity to share memories and laughter together.”

Elise Burditt, senior marketing director at Cadbury, added: “We wanted to answer special requests that had been coming from care homes, dementia support groups and members of the public over the years, for nostalgic Cadbury wrappers and posters, which could provide a sense of comfort and connection to those living with dementia."