Residents at our care homes across Buckinghamshire are being celebrated this World Book Day as published authors and artists, after taking part in an innovative storytelling project that turned everyday memories into a professionally produced book.

The book is the result of OSJCT’s Shoebox Story activity, an innovative initiative designed to support cognitive stimulation, communication and confidence through storytelling. What began as a simple group activity has grown into a published collection of short stories and artwork created entirely by residents in OSJCT’s Buckinghamshire care homes.

The concept is straightforward but effective. During sessions, residents are invited to choose an everyday object from a shoebox: perhaps an old key, a silk scarf or a toy car. Each item acts as a prompt. A sentence is shared. Then another. Gradually, ideas are shaped into short stories, with care teams supporting residents to express their thoughts in their own way.

For residents living with dementia, the activity has proved particularly meaningful. Familiar textures, shapes and associations can spark conversation and unlock memories, helping individuals reconnect with experiences from their past while strengthening their sense of identity in the present.

Angie Williams, Lead Admiral Nurse at The Orders of St John Care Trust said:

“Storytelling can be a powerful way of enhancing wellbeing for people living with dementia. It helps them connect with others and with their own past, while supporting a sense of identity, something that is incredibly important. We can sometimes underestimate the creativity of people living with dementia because of how the condition affects the brain. But when we help someone return to a place where they feel comfortable, confident, and content, it can unlock remarkable creativity. That’s when the most wonderful stories begin to emerge.”

For many residents, the activity has offered far more than creative writing. It has created moments of recognition and joy, opportunities to share personal experiences, and a renewed sense of purpose. Residents who may struggle to communicate in conventional ways have found new confidence through storytelling. 

What began as a shoebox of everyday objects has become a tangible piece of art, something families can read, share and treasure for years to come.

The initiative reflects OSJCT’s commitment to innovation in care, recognising that high-quality care is not only about clinical excellence, but about meaningful engagement, identity and opportunity. By investing in creativity, OSJCT continues to explore practical ways to enhance wellbeing and ensure that residents’ voices remain at the heart of life within its homes.