National Coal Mining Museum Launches New Multi-Sensory Experiences
Adults with learning disabilities and people living with dementia can now explore Yorkshire’s industrial past through newly developed sensory experiences.
Sensory Storytelling is bringing mining history to life in a vivid new way at the National Coal Mining Museum, found in the heart of Wakefield. The Museum’s new multi-sensory sessions offer a uniquely immersive way to explore Yorkshire’s mining heritage, using real objects, atmospheric sounds, distinctive scents and hands-on activities to spark memories, emotions and conversation.
The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Developed specifically for, adults with learning disabilities and people living with dementia, the sessions have a special way of connecting people into the world of coal mining, offering a glimpse into what life was like both above ground and below ground.
Through the experience people can journey back to a 1970s pit village, meet a young pony driver from the 1950s, or explore the familiar streets of Royston as inspired by Betty Miller’s sculptures. Every sensory story encourages participants to look closely, listen deeply and engage with the textures and tools of the past.
Each story has been co-created with local organisations and their participants including Camphill College, CoActive Arts, City Limits and Open Country, ensuring they reflect the voices and needs of the people who will be using them. The sessions last around 30 minutes and are designed for small groups of up to ten people, making them ideal for day services, community groups, supported living settings or care homes.
For those who cannot travel to the Museum, the new sensory storytelling resources can also be used by groups in their own settings. Downloadable story resources make it easy for groups to recreate the experience using familiar smells, sounds and everyday objects found in their own settings. The Museum also offers Story Boxes for loan, providing everything needed for a complete session, from props and music to prompts, making them perfect tools for reminiscence work or creative engagement in community spaces.
Jude Holland, Head of Learning and Engagement: “These sessions are all about connection through touch, smell and sound. Created collaboratively with the community and organisations we work closely with, they are designed to be inclusive and stimulate discussion and reflection. Accessibility is at heart of everything we do here at the Museum and this is another way that we can tell the important history of coal mining and share it with our communities.”
Sensory Storytelling sessions take place at the Museum on Wednesdays and Thursdays during term time, subject to volunteer availability. To book a session or enquire about borrowing a Story Box, contact imogen.walsh@ncm.org.uk