1,247 MEMORIES SENT TO CARE HOMES WORLDWIDE
Writing a letter to someone with dementia takes less time than a coffee break. Research shows it improves your wellbeing as much as theirs. And the person on the other end gets proof that the world still holds them in mind.
Fill this in and within five days you'll have everything you need: a writing guide, a care home address, and your volunteer hours logged. No experience required. No commitment beyond your first letter.
WHY THIS WORKS - FOR YOU, NOT JUST FOR THEM
Research in positive psychology shows that writing letters of kindness reduces cortisol, boosts serotonin, and improves mood for days after. You're not sacrificing your time. You're investing it in your own brain health as much as someone else's.
Verified service
Every letter you write counts as 30 minutes of verified volunteer service. US members are eligible for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. All members receive milestone certificates at 10, 50, and 100 letters, ready for university applications.
Global movement
Your letter joins thousands sent by Memory Matters members from 30+ countries. You become part of the only global youth-led dementia initiative of its kind. We feature member stories monthly. Your letter could be the one we share.
Tell us your name, country, and how many letters you'd like to write. Takes under two minutes. We'll confirm your spot and send you everything you need.
Within five days, we'll email you our letter-writing guide and the address of your nearest partner care home. Choose from our facility list or ask us to match you.
At breakfast. During a break. Before bed. No meetings, no Zoom calls, no specific time. Write one letter or ten. Seal it. Post it. Done.
Submit your letter count through our monthly form. We update your hours, issue your certificate, and track your milestone progress. You can also share a photo of your letter. We feature them.
Your letter milestones
Every letter counts. Every milestone is recognised. Start with one. See where it takes you.
First letter
Digital badge + added to the global counter.
Ten letters
Milestone certificate, eligible for member spotlight feature on our Instagram.
Fifty letters
Dedicated post on Memory Matters Instagram. Letter featured in our newsletter.
One hundred
Named on our website's permanent Hall of Memory. Formal recognition letter for university applications.
Two hundred fifty
Nominated for Presidential Volunteer Service Award (US). Global ambassador status.
Memory Matters is working toward becoming an official certifying organisation for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, a real US government recognition certifying your volunteer hours, signed by the President. We'll notify all US members the moment we're approved. Log your hours now so you're ready.
"I wrote my first letter at 11pm on a Tuesday. It took me twelve minutes. I didn't know what to expect, but I haven't stopped thinking about whoever is reading it."
Priya, 17, Mumbai, India • Memory Matters member
Send your first memory
We'll email you the writing guide plus the care home address within five days. Your first letter is the start of a global movement that proves no one is forgotten.
Memory Matters
Instant impact
Your letter reaches an older adult who may never receive mail otherwise.
Global reach
You join a movement that spans care homes across dozens of countries.