The Wayback - An Untapped Product

Bringing Two Forces Together

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The Wayback has set the standard for creative uses of virtual reality in dementia care, recreating pivotal moments from the past, like the 1953 Coronation street party and England’s 1966 World Cup win, to help spark memories and meaningful conversation. 

Since day one, the project has stood out for its humanity and authenticity, thanks to the vision and dedication of its founders: Philippa Thomas, Andy Garnett, Dan Cole, and Kevin Thomas. They remain at the helm creatively, continuing to set the tone and direction for everything The Wayback delivers.

Untapped, for our part, will focus on taking the technology further and unlocking bigger opportunities for The Wayback, expanding its reach and impact in the UK and beyond. It’s a natural evolution of a partnership that began over six years ago when The Wayback was one of our very first clients. We’ve grown together ever since.

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What’s Next?

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In the coming weeks, The Wayback website will be folded into Untapped’s online home, with major updates and brand new features arriving in the app. We’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, backed by years of partnership and shared ambition. Expect even more powerful tools for reminiscence therapy, broader access for organisations and carers, and a renewed drive to put creativity and compassion at the heart of health tech.

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What Care Leaders Are Saying

“Dementia care is evolving… the three most important things in advancing care are stimulating senses, reminiscing and the use of technology. The Wayback does all three at once.” Ryan Moring, Essex Care Manager

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“It’s so helpful for staff, carers… even family… to have a tool like this to start a conversation. Sometimes that can be the hardest thing.” Breda Spriggs, Manager, Castlegate Centre 

“They suddenly feel that they are there. They remember the time, the day, who they were with… and they start to tell you all about it.” Sarah Chapman, Director, Huntington House 

By watching The Wayback, you can be there in a second… remembering the party you went to, the cakes you ate, the dress you wore… it is a fantastic validation of feeling alive still.” Dr David Sheard, Founder, Dementia Care Matters “

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The Bigger Picture

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Dementia and Alzheimer’s awareness are rightly on the rise, and the appetite for innovative, effective tools has never been greater. With this partnership, Untapped can now proudly call itself both a Challenge Dementia Prize Winner and an Investing in Great Prize Winner, recognition that reflects the strength of our work and our belief in making a genuine difference.

The Wayback has already captured national and international attention. Press coverage includes features on Sky News, The Guardian, The New York Post, The Independent, and appearances at SXSW. 

The project even picked up a coveted D&AD Wood Pencil. And, in one of our proudest moments, the great Sir Geoff Hurst himself reflected in our recreation of the 1966 World Cup final, saying:

“The images in this film are just fantastic... it will be a huge help to people reliving the past.”

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Watch Sky News step inside a Surrey care home where residents with dementia slip on cardboard VR headsets and relive the Queen’s 1953 Coronation, showing how The Wayback’s immersive “time-machine” films reignite long-lost memories, spark conversation and brighten everyday care:

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Watch the interview with Sir Geoff Hurst discussing the 1966 World Cup VR recreation:

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For Organisations and Partners

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If you’d like to explore how The Wayback could support your organisation, we’re now offering licences and a white label option to build your own version. 

Whether you’re a care provider, charity, or looking for a way to bring meaningful digital experiences to those living with dementia, we’d love to talk.

Drop us a line at wayback@thisisuntapped.com and let’s see how we can help.

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About Untapped
Untapped builds technology and experiences that make a difference. We’re here to challenge, to innovate, and to make things better never just for the sake of it, always with a purpose.

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About The Wayback
The Wayback uses virtual reality to trigger positive memories for people living with dementia and their carers, creating moments that matter and making life that little bit brighter.

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For media enquiries or partnership discussions, please contact wayback@thisisuntapped.com

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