Memory Bank: Bradford is a complete reminiscence resource using archive film, prompting stories and memories to share and enjoy.  Using simplicity as a force for innovation, it has been curated for older, underrepresented audiences, including people living with dementia.

Launched in 2025 to coincide with Bradford City of Culture, thanks to funding from the Harry and Mary Foundation, the resource was designed for use by care providers across the Bradford district; every care home received access to the platform, plus a limited-edition book, free of charge.

Deliberately kept clean and clear to meet audience needs, the platform encompasses a single webpage from which all films can be instantly played or downloaded for offline use.  The nine carefully chosen and curated archive films are brought alive and enhanced by a wealth of information, including ‘Life and Times’, a vivid snapshot of Bradford through the decades, and thoughtfully crafted film notes designed to spark meaningful conversations during reminiscence sessions.

At specially selected points in each film, Memory Bank’s signature key symbol appears on screen, highlighting interesting discussion topics, enabling audiences to connect the past with the present, rediscover memories, and share stories.

The pairing of archive with rich companion resources combines to produce a unique product offering everything needed to run a successful reminiscence session, with no prior knowledge of the topics in the films, or even of Bradford itself.

Special attention is given to helping session leaders get the most from the footage by providing open‑ended questions and tailored prompts for each film to encourage conversation.  

The resource builds on the Archive's original Memory Bank project, delivered on DVD to meet the needs of earlier focus groups.  Adapting to technological changes in the care sector, especially those driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, Memory Bank: Bradford now provides a hybrid mix of online and physical resources.

In June 2026, Memory Bank: Bradford won 'Best Use of Footage on Innovative Platforms' at the FOCAL International Awards.