The Living Memory Book Project

Supporing bereavment across our communities

The Living Memory Book Project is an initiative that supports bereaved individuals across Sandwell and Birmingham. Through one-to-one and group sessions, we work closely with participants to co-create a bespoke Living Memory Book—a co-created professionally printed publication that tells the story of their loved one in their own words.
This project is rooted in the power of oral history, allowing participants to share their memories, experiences, and emotions in a therapeutic and meaningful way. The result is a beautiful, personal keepsake that honours the life of their loved one and supports them through their grief journey.
From Natalie's story.

"Working on this booklet has really helped me deal not only with the loss of my mother, herself a carer of her first son who is disabled, but also reflect on my own life as a kinship carer with some pride. Working on my book was at times a painful process, so is caring and so is bereavement, but so worth it"

Laura B
From Keith's story about his late dad.

Who is it for?
The Living Memory Book Project is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. We understand that grief is a deeply personal experience, and our project is here to provide a safe, supportive space for bereaved individuals to process their emotions and celebrate the life of the person they have lost.

How does it work?
The Living Memory Book project offers one-to-one support sessions. During these sessions, participants work with our team to:

  • Share and record their stories, memories, and experiences about their loved one.
  • Select photographs and other materials to include in their book.
  • Co-create a unique Living Memory Book that reflects their personal journey.

Once completed, the book is professionally printed and delivered to the participant, providing a lasting tribute to their loved one.

From Linda's story about her life with Dave.
"The publication that was produced was simply amazing. it was like having therapy, remembering happy times and pulling memories from the past and sharing them. I will tell you there were tears of sadness and loss but also of joy remembering and sharing the fantastic life I had with my late wife."

John H
Why is it important?
Grief can be an isolating and overwhelming experience, often leading to feelings of depression, trauma, and a loss of meaning in life.
The Living Memory Book Project aims to:
  • Provide therapeutic support through creative expression.
  • Help participants process their grief and find meaning in their loss.
  • Foster a sense of connection and community among bereaved individuals.
Our goal is to support bereaved people across Birmingham and Sandwell by offering them the opportunity to create a Living Memory Book. This project is more than just a book—it’s a way to celebrate life, process grief, and find hope in the midst of loss. The Living Memory Book Project stems from our belief in the transformative power of storytelling. By centralising oral history—testimony and direct experience—we create a space where bereaved individuals can actively engage with their grief and find healing. Death and grief are often hidden aspects of our culture, leaving many bereaved individuals feeling isolated and misunderstood, and often negatively impacts wellbeing and mental health. Through this project we aim to help individuals find meaning and connection in the face of loss, while also fostering resilience, helping them build strength and adaptability as they navigate through their grief.
To find out more about participating in this project, contact us here.

We are delighted to announce that The Living Memory Book Project has been awarded funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, made possible by National Lottery players. This vital support will enable us to expand our bereavement support work across Sandwell and Birmingham over the next 12 months, helping individuals and families navigate grief through storytelling, remembrance, and the creation of lasting tributes.

Inspired by the Fund’s Sharing Your Story initiative, our project provides a compassionate space for people to honour and celebrate loved ones who have passed away. By recording personal and collective memories, we help preserve irreplaceable stories while offering comfort through shared experiences. This funding will allow us to reach more bereaved individuals and families in our communities, ensuring no one has to face loss alone.

Thank you to National Lottery players for making this important work possible.

LM-project-logos
From John's story
Gez and Elaine's book

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