Age Exchange

We are a national centre for Reminiscence Arts and dementia intervention. We are also a vibrant community hub in Blackheath Village, London. Age Exchange made history 40 years ago, as the first organisation in Europe dedicated to reminiscence and intergenerational arts. The charity was founded in Blackheath in 1983 and the reminiscence centre opened in 1987. Age Exchange began life as a theatre company exploring inter-generational reminiscence and storytelling. Local and national funding enabled us to develop reminiscence workshops, training and research. By 1987 we launched our Reminiscence Centre in Blackheath, now our Community Cafe, which was opened by former patron Glenda Jackson. Many projects followed both in the UK and across Europe. Thanks to funding partners Age Exchange relocated our successful reminiscence practice into dementia projects, community outreach, youth theatre and expanded our schools programme. By 1995 we upgraded our infamous Bakehouse Theatre space into a renowned reminiscence arts and training centre. Our Creative Dementia projects run in Blackheath and Lambeth and help support people living with dementia and their carers.