From Sensory Palaces, Hampton Court

As many of you may know, Sarah Fairbairn who manages Sensory Palaces at Historic Royal Palaces recently started her maternity leave. I am looking after the programme in her absence. There are no sessions scheduled beyond December, this email is an update on the future of Sensory Palaces.

For nearly a decade, our Sensory Palaces programme has enabled people living with dementia and their companions to explore our palaces’ stories and spaces using their senses. Together, we have evidence the positive impact of heritage, storytelling and creativity on participants’ mental health and wellbeing.

Sensory Palaces will be on a short break from January 2024. Our team plans to launch a refreshed programme that will enable more people to access our stories and spaces, more independently in spring 2024.

This is not a decision we have made lightly, or for me personally or professionally. I started Sensory Palaces in 2013/14 and have seen first-hand the benefits these sessions and engagement with heritage has on people living with dementia and companions. This is why I am so keen to take this ‘pause’ so we can grow it to reach even more people.

Sensory Palaces afternoon, Thursday 22 February, 13:00-15:00

In place of the regular sessions, we are hosting a relaxed afternoon / experience at Hampton Court Palace for people living with dementia and companions. This is not the 'full' Sensory Palaces experience you are familiar with, rather a chance for all of us to 'check in' and explore the future for making all of our palaces more dementia friendly.

Please complete this form to register. More details will follow in January 2024.

https://forms.office.com/e/yUDHHZtrnK

Again, I am sorry for the break in the Sensory Palaces programme. I do hope you understand, but please feel free to contact me directly should you wish to speak more about this.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Take care,

Kim

KIM KLUG (she/her)
Community Partnerships Manager