Year 8 pupils Lily Howlett, Grace Williams, Libby Anthony and Melike Taniyan deservedly brought home the Innovation Award at BCBC’s Inspire for Life Awards on Thursday evening, after fighting off stiff competition from across the county. The group who featured in last term’s newsletter (click here) have been working on an app which they have named My Little Memory, which aims to helps those who are suffering with dementia.
The main idea of their app is to make lists that will help the user remember what it is that they wanted to do that day. Family members who would have a shared log-in, would be able to upload photo’s, music and memories so that their loved one can stimulate their memory as they use the app.
Judges from the Inspire for Life Awards panel were hugely impressed with how the girls have taken their initial idea and have worked with the Alzheimer’s Society to make the app a reality. Bethan Phelps, a Dementia-Connect Manager for the society, has been really supportive of our pupils and you can hear her feedback in the video below:
As well as praise from competition judges and the Alzheimer’s Society, the girls have received support from their teacher Mrs Laura Ellis, who has been overseeing their plans.
“I’m incredibly proud to have supported the girls in their journey to develop an app to support those affected by dementia,” said Mrs Ellis. “Their passion, independence and maturity along the way has been admirable. I’m so excited to see what their plans are next and fingers crossed they make it to the final of The Longitude Explorer Prize. It would be fantastic to see their prototype developed into reality”
For more information on the My Little Memory App, The Longitude Explorer Prize and reaction to winning the Innovation Award, please enjoy the video below:
A special thank you to Lily Harris, Fred Rathkey, Maureen Fraser and Sharon Lever who attend the Dementia Cafe in Bridgend and who gave up their time to help the girls with their Research.
Special thanks also to Elizabeth Israel, Lucy Davies and Bethan Phelps from the Alzheimer’s Society.
And finally to Ric Mason, for getting everybody on their feet (dancing!)