The idea for information plaques at or near the sites of former communities for children arose independently from a variety of sources during the creation of the project: From Owen Booker, the last Head of Shotton Hall School in Shropshire; in discussions between the Project Director and our HLF Development Officer, Kelly Spry-Phare; in conversation with Wennington Old Scholars, who had created their own informal plaque on the drive up to the former school; in a Project Management Group meeting from former Bodenham Manor child Peter Cottle.

The observation was that former children and staff often return to the sites of their communities. The places act as important holders of memory, experience and identity. There is a need to think and remember, and to share with their partners and children.

 "Therapeutic Living With Other People's Children"  aims to work closely with local residents, parish councils, schools and others to identify appropriate places and to install information plaques at or near the sites of five former therapeutic environments. These plaques will tell visitors that this was, indeed, the site of the former therapeutic environment. They will acknowledge the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Planned Environment Therapy Trust. And, perhaps most importantly, they will give the project website details, where visitors and residents can find out more about the community which used to be there..

The aim is to engage and involve schools and members of the local community insofar as possible in remembering and celebrating this slice of the local heritage. For the installation ceremony, local schools and media will be contacted, and the story of the place told. Former children and staff will help to unveil the plaque, and share their memories.