STORYTELLER Gavin Young will be presenting the inspiring life stories of dementia patients at Redditch’s Masonic Hall next week.

The free café event, which is the last in a countywide roadshow, will be coming to the Easemore Road hall on Wednesday, May 3 at 11.45am.

Earlier in the year, adults living with dementia and their carers relived memories from the 40s, 50s and 60s using the art of storytelling and reminiscence as well as holding, touching, smelling and feeling objects from Museums Worcestershire collections to inspire them to think about the past.

The project, called Suitcase Stories, gathered tales from these sessions which were taken by storyteller Gavin Young to create a live performance of storytelling and music which will be performed at dementia cafés across the county.

The performances are designed to connect residents of Worcestershire with their memories using arts and heritage.

Redditch Borough Council arts and events officer Huw Moseley said: "The cafés will help transport dementia sufferers back in time, providing them with an enjoyable afternoon and we are proud to be supporting the project. If you know of anyone who might benefit from attending the café, please get in touch."

This project has been generously supported by Arts Council England, The Elmley Foundation, Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Arts Partnership, Malvern Hills District Council, Wychavon District Council, Worcester City Council, Wyre Forest District Council, Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council.

The project so far has worked with 76 people across the county directly, with more than 200 more benefitting as a live audience.

The stories will also be recorded and made available as a podcast and CD.

For more information and to book on to the workshops or performances contact Jenny Davis, Suitcase Stories Project manager, 07946 585978 jenny@artsuplift.co.uk or go to artsuplift.co.uk.