Halifax shop brings out soaps designed by care home residents to stimulate memory recall

The Yorkshire Soap Company’s Piece Hall branch has brought out a new selection of soaps designed to stimulate memory recall.

The selection — Springfield Dementia Soaps — have been designed by residents of Springfield Care Home in Bradford, following conversations between residents and staff about how distinct smells — such as rain, the countryside, a crackling fire, warm toast, a day at the seaside, and fresh tomatoes — evoke powerful memories of the past.

The residents took part in sensory meetings to select the final five fragrances and created the original artwork for the packaging, which was then transformed into the final product labels by designer Rebecca Wright.

The line includes soaps such as Yorkshire Rhubarb and Grandpa’s Greenhouse, and is available online or in-store at the Piece Hall branch.

All profits from the soap sales will go directly towards funding ongoing resident art classes and creating a sensory garden at the care home.

Residents will also use the soaps themselves, with the Yorkshire Soap Company supplying the soaps to the care home at cost price.

Yorkshire Soap Company owner Marcus Doyle said: "I lost my dad four years ago to dementia, so I understand the challenges families face.

"I was incredibly fortunate that Susan, his wife, was able to care for him at home with the support of home carers right through to the end—but not everyone has that level of support.

“That’s why places like Springfield Care Home are so important.

“As a passionate gardener, I’m also really looking forward to seeing how the care home's garden develops.

“It’s a wonderful project that will make a real difference to residents’ daily lives."

Springfield Care Home manager Victoria Hemsworth said: "To see that spark of an idea turn into actual, gorgeous bars of soap on shelves is a moment Marcus and I won’t ever forget.

"Sitting down with our residents, watching their faces light up as they picked out colours and shared their favorite scent memories was easily the best part of this whole journey.

“These soaps represent connection, dignity, creativity, and the power of community."