Date Published: 16 September 2024
"In sickness and in health"—for Arthur and Patricia, these words have always represented more than just wedding vows. They have embodied a shared mission and commitment that extends beyond their personal lives.
Picture of Arthur and Patricia and their son, John.
Together, they founded Reminiscence Connect, a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing connections among the elderly. Through thoughtfully designed reminiscing sessions, Arthur and Patricia have created a supportive environment where seniors can relive treasured memories, thereby fostering joy, community, and meaningful relationships.
Re-enactment of a Wedding Couple, 2024.
One of their standout programmes, “Take Off Your Cap!”, is a 12-week group reminiscence session designed to help participants reconnect with the past. Through guided re-enactments using old photographs and cherished artifacts, this programme aims to touch the hearts of all involved, particularly those with dementia. It offers a brief but meaningful escape to a time when life was simpler, and memories were vivid.
For Arthur and Patricia, this programme holds special significance, particularly as it coincides with Arthur’s diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This personal connection deepens their commitment to creating moments of joy and clarity for others facing similar challenges.
Building a community as a couple presents its challenges, particularly given the prevalent belief that working together as husband and wife is difficult. Yet, Arthur and Patricia describe their partnership as a harmonious "tango," with each person complementing the other’s strengths. Arthur acts as the visionary, shaping the ideas for their sessions, while Patricia excels in bringing these ideas to fruition through meticulous execution.
Arthur and Patricia at the 2024 Venture Builder Demo Day as participants of the Venture Builder 10th cohort
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Although Arthur and Patricia had a clear vision for their business, they recognized the need for more structured guidance to scale Reminiscence Connect sustainably. This realization led them to enrol in the Venture Builder programme.
Initially, Arthur was apprehensive about joining the programme, worried about keeping up with its rigorous pace and mastering the concepts. However, with Patricia’s unwavering support, their collaborative approach proved effective. They mentioned that the programme proved invaluable, particularly in helping them understand how to price their services effectively. This newfound knowledge enabled them to offer their reminiscence sessions at a rate that balanced affordability for participants with sustainability for the business.
Reminiscence Connect is more than a business; it is a labour of love and a shared mission to foster joy and connection within the elderly community. Arthur and Patricia offer valuable advice to couples contemplating a joint venture: "Seek a partner who complements your strengths, minimize differences, and build on each other's abilities."
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If you are passionate about making a difference, join the Venture Builder Programme and start your journey towards building something meaningful today!