POETRY written by care home residents will be displayed at a Basingstoke museum as part of a new collection celebrating the talents and stories of people living with dementia.

Residents at Homefield House in Rooksdown will see their work shown in an inspiring exhibition on Saturday, October 7, at Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery, which offers a window into the minds of people living with dementia and memory loss.

‘My Internal Reality – Dementia Voices’ — a compilation of some of the composed poetry with residents living at the care home captures their creativity, rich imagination, and humour. Copies of the poetry will be for sale.

READ MORE: The history of the Willis Museum in Basingstoke

Rosi Pineiro, activity champion at the Shaw healthcare-operated Homefield House, said: “We hope that celebrating and showcasing the talents and stories of people living with dementia and memory loss will serve as an inspiration to others and highlight some of the wonderful things those living with dementia can accomplish.”

One of the poems on show, titled I am the Sea, was written by resident Terry Hill.

Born in India before moving to England when he was 12, Mr Hill worked in insurance and the army, travelling the world. He lives in Homefield House with his wife, Morag.

Jenny Stevens, community manager at The Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery said: “Hampshire Cultural Trust is honoured to provide the opportunity to display the resident’s work and allow our visitors to 'see' their voices and both enjoy and learn from the exhibition.”

The recently refurbished Homefield House provides residential care for up to 24 and is operated by Shaw healthcare, the largest employee-owned care provider in the UK.