Chance for more people affected by dementia in Cheshire to experience the joy of singing

An 86-year-old Chester resident has joined calls to expand a popular singing activity for people with dementia in the town.

Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain initiative unites people affected by dementia- of which there are 31,957 in Cheshire and Merseyside – through song.

People with dementia have been worst hit by coronavirus, with many people significantly deteriorating from the knock-on effects of lockdown. Singing for the Brain helps to reduce social isolation, improve quality of life, wellbeing and mood, which the charity says has never been needed more.

Gillian Moore, 86, knows the benefits of music and attends virtual Singing for the Brain groups in the Cheshire area four times a week with her husband Len who is 90 and has had dementia for around three years.

Len is also partially sighted and has hearing difficulties, so the groups are one of the few activities he can still enjoy.

“We really enjoy music and both Len and I sing along,” said Gillian.

“There’s always different songs, from music hall pieces right up to current pop songs and sometimes there’s a theme so there’s always a great variety.

“It’s also a good way to meet other people, as everyone has a chat as well.”

Len, who sang in choirs in the past, finds singing boosts his mood.

“If he doesn’t go to the Singing for the Brain group I can notice a difference in him,” said Gillian.

“There’s a lot he can’t do now, like watch TV but he can still sing and he loves it.”

Alzheimer’s Society is now offering care providers, organisations or individuals across Cheshire with an interest in music, the chance to run their own group and become a Singing for the Brain delivery partner. They will provide partners with the support and resources to successfully do this.

Alzheimer’s Society, supported by the Utley Foundation, through their Music for Dementia campaign, aims to recruit 80 new Singing for the Brain delivery partners across the UK by the end of this summer.

Singing for the Brain is an uplifting and stimulating group activity for people affected by dementia, built around music and song. Through fun vocal warm-ups, and a variety of familiar and new songs, the music accesses and engages different parts of the brain.

Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager in Cheshire, Merseyside and the Ilse of Man, Steve Green said: “Music memory is often retained when other memories are lost. Singing for the Brain can help people, even in advanced stages of dementia, to tap into long-term memories linked to music and song – for some, this can mean they can communicate through singing when no longer able to do so through speech. 

“We have well established Singing for the Brain groups in Cheshire and we hear how valuable these are to those who attend them like Gillian and Len, even now during the pandemic, where we have adapted to run this service virtually. That’s why we are keen to help others set up a group so even more people can access this popular activity.

“We are changing the way we provide support for people affected by dementia in the community so we can reach more people through delivery partners. We want more people to benefit from our popular Singing for the Brain service.”

To find out more and to register your interest, visit:

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/singingforthebrain

Pictured -  Gillian Moore, 86, pictured with her husband Len, 90, who is living with dementia and enjoys attending Singing for the Brain events.