Much has been learned in recent years about living well with dementia. As more and more people are diagnosed with the condition, charities have taken on some of the vital work of supporting those affected to continue to live in the community and maintain their quality of life
One of the key factors in living well with dementia is the understanding that, while short term memory is often affected and therefore someone with dementia may not remember the details of an activity, the ability to recall feelings is intact for much longer. Enter music. Who hasn’t switched on the radio and had their spirits lifted by a favourite song, or been reminded of a loved one on hearing something they love to dance to? Research has shown that even when some memories are hard to retrieve, music is one of the easier things to recall.
Thanks to funding from Middlesbrough Council, Holy Trinity Church in North Ormesby has been able to partner with the Alzheimer’s Society to bring Singing for the Brain to Middlesbrough. Singing for the Brain is a stimulating group activity, devised by the Alzheimer’s Society for people living with dementia and their carers. It can help general wellbeing and confidence, and uses familiar songs alongside the gentle introduction of new music and movement – and there’s always time for a cup of tea and a chat! Action songs add to the element of fun and gentle exercise, and simple rounds and partner songs can help concentration and create beautiful harmonies. There is no need for any musical experience and you don’t have to be a great singer – it’s all for fun, and to help people with dementia and their carers to express themselves and socialise in a friendly and supportive environment.
Singing for the Brain sessions will be held fortnightly on Tuesdays at The Trinity Centre, North Ormesby, 2.00pm-3.30pm, beginning on 9th June. For more details please contact Maddy Fisher at the Trinity Centre maddy.fisher@trinitycentre.org, or Claire Blackwell-Jones, Dementia Support Worker at the Alzheimer’s Society c.blackwell-jones@alzheimers.org.uk.