Participants Sought for New Research Project

Participants are being sort for a new research project evaluating how recordings of familiar voices can help improve the wellbeing of people in care.

Snapshot Boxes created by Suffolk firm Chronicle use a creatively-designed photo frame with high quality audio playback to help preserve a cherished memory alongside the voices of loved ones, to bring comfort and relief to those at risk of loneliness or in care.

The University of Suffolk is undertaking a six-month research project to evaluate the effectiveness of the boxes in supporting people such as those in the early stages of dementia, those at risk of isolation, and residential or domiciliary care clients.

The project has been supported by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), with the award of a grant to test the efficacy of the Snapshot Memory Boxes in social care settings. 

John Royle, Chronicle founder, said: “This support from Innovate UK demonstrates a level of confidence in our product and will enable us to do some testing of our boxes in care settings. We already know anecdotally that our boxes provide comfort to people so we hope this research will confirm this.

"People often overlook the importance and uniqueness of their voice and we feel that familiar voices will support the well-being of people in care when they are lonely, distressed, confused or anxious.

"The creation of a box is also a positive activity for carers and family members too. Given the challenges with social care both in the UK and globally, we hope that our boxes can provide a tangible way to improve the well-being of older people.”

Dr Abigail Webb, Clinical Research Fellow from the University of Suffolk’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing, said: “Measures which can stimulate sensory engagement can be an effective tool for supporting people such as those at risk of isolation or for those in care. 

"The University of Suffolk is pleased to partner with Chronicle in evaluating the impact of Snapshot Memory Boxes and sharing the results which may support others in future.”

The University is looking for 25 volunteers to trial the boxes as part of the research to evidence potential benefits, such as:

• Reduced anxiety and distress for people in care by hearing the familiar voices of loved ones
• Enhanced connections between caregivers and those under their care
• Reduction in feelings of isolation and loneliness among vulnerable individuals
• General benefits to wellbeing such as insurance-like proactive measure against the progressive effects of dementia or ill health
• Reduction in feelings of confusion

Participants will receive a bespoke box to use and enjoy over a period of several weeks. To personalise the box, Chronicle will need to receive a photo and audio recording - support will be provided to do this.

The only requirement for participants and their carers/families is to actively engage with the researchers to complete a survey and short interview.

If you are interested in taking part or know of someone that may benefit from the trial, please complete this short survey.

All nominations will be considered by the researchers.  Unfortunately places are limited but we would encourage all nominations.

For more information, please contact John Royle at john@chroniclestories.co.uk or 07752 191710.

Further details of the Snapshot Memory Boxes can be found here.