I'd like to let you know about a new eight-part series we are premiering in December.

It's called The Memory Team, following two filmmakers as they capture the memories of people living with dementia before they are lost forever. It's a poignant, candid and heartfelt series with each episode bringing a new case and a new life story - meeting people who have taken part in important moments in our recent history.

Please take a look at the release and drop me a line should you want a screener or further information.

26 November 2015: Nearly 50 million people in the world have dementia and this is set to triple in the next 35 years. With a new case every 3.2 seconds, Jessica Palmarozza and Felicity Mungovan are young filmmakers attempting to capture the memories of people living with dementia before they are lost forever. Together, they are The Memory Team - working for charity My Life Films to capture the life stories of people living with dementia on film before their memories fade away.

In this poignant and emotional series, each episode will bring a new case and a new life story to capture on film before it’s too late. They’ll meet people who have taken part in some of the most important moments in our history and are challenged by the effects of dementia.

The series will tell the stories of people who have broken world records, stood in controversial elections and fought in wars. As well as exploring the impact dementia has on partners, family and friends, the films are used as a tool to bring people together and celebrate the lives of loved ones.

The first episode focuses on Derek, an experienced pilot who was in the RAF during the war and has flown hundreds of planes and gliders and travelled the world lecturing. His achievements are explored and memories captured before they are forgotten.

Jorg Roth, Founder of My Life Films said: “We believe that everybody has a great story to tell. We want to help people living with dementia to get their stories recorded and captured forever. My Life Films partners with talented young filmmakers to give them an opportunity to tell these amazing stories. We are thrilled to be working with Community Channel to show the stories behind our films and reach audiences across the UK.

Alexander Kann, Director of Community Channel said: “We are delighted to be broadcasting this ground-breaking series. The Memory Team casts a light on a subject that touches the lives of millions of people and reveals the quiet heroism and remarkable lives of eight amazing people. This series poignant, heartfelt and has a rare honesty as it tells the stories of some truly inspiring lives.”

The Memory Team was commissioned by the Community Channel and is being produced by Go Forth Films, an independent documentary company.

The Memory Team broadcasts on Community Channel from Tuesday 15th December 15th at 10pm then each Tuesday at 10pm Episodes repeat Fridays at 9.30pm, Sundays at 8.30pm and Mondays at 7.30pm.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

About My Life Films
My Life Films is a young and fast growing charity that produces free biographical films for people living with dementia in London. Using established reminiscence techniques and combining them with the power of filmmaking and digital delivery the films are highly innovative care tools helping to improve the quality of life for people with dementia.

The aim is to also humanise the care they receive by strengthening the carer to patient bonding process. In a short version of the film carers learn about the personality and character of the person they are caring for.

It is a combination of reminiscence therapy and entertainment bringing positivity not just into the lives of the person living with dementia, but also members of their family and close friends. In some cases they are watched every day and they can be viewed online or on DVD. http://www2.mylifefilms.org

About Community Channel
Community Channel is the only TV channel for communities, charities and the brilliant people who make the U.K. a better place for us all. Community Channel broadcasts on Freeview HD 63, Sky 539, Virgin 233, freesat 651, streamed on TV Player and TVGuide and available on-demand through BT TV, YouTube, BBC iPlayer and the channel’s website. Twelve million people watched the channel last year. Viewers learn more by watching the channel and are motivated to do more for others. Community Channel is a Media Trust initiative, funded by the Big Lottery Fund. www.communitychannel.org

About Media Trust
At Media Trust we believe in the power of media to change lives. We work with the media industry to empower charities and communities to have a voice and be heard. This is achieved by:
• Providing communications skills and resources through expert-led training courses and events, free professional support, film production, free online guides and resources;
• Helping access audiences through Community Channel on TV and online, national news distribution and media partnerships;
• Harnessing creative industry talent through media volunteers and media partnerships.

We are the UK’s leading communications charity. Our corporate members include A+E Networks, adam&eveDDB, AMV BBDO, Arqiva, BBC, Bloomberg, BT, Camelot, Channel 4, Dentsu Aegis network, Discovery Networks Europe, dmg media, Endemol, ESI Media, Facebook, Global Radio, Google, Guardian Media Group, Havas Media Group, Hearst, IAB, ITN, ITV, Just::Health Communications, MTV Networks UK & Ireland, Next 15, Saatchi & Saatchi, Sky, Starcom MediaVest, telegraph media group, Twitter, Time Warner, Trinity Mirror, Virgin Media, UBM, UKTV, Weber Shandwick, WPP and Yahoo!. www.mediatrust.org

About Big Lottery Fund
• The Big Lottery Fund supports the aspirations of people who want to make life better for their communities across the UK. We are responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery and invest over £650 million a year in projects big and small in health, education, environment and charitable purposes.
• Since June 2004 we have awarded over £6.5billion to projects that make a difference to people and communities in need, from early years intervention to commemorative travel funding for World War Two veterans.
• Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £33 billion has been raised and more than 450,000 grants awarded.

Website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk Twitter: @biglotteryfund #BigLottery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BigLotteryFund