Church launches new dementia friendly choir
A CHURCH has started a new singing group that creates space for those living with dementia, and their carers, to enjoy making music together.
The Salvation Army Lower Earley opens its doors once a month for a Singing By Heart choir that is especially designed to support people at all stages of dementia.
“We started only last month,” says Lieutenant Jacqueline Coates. “The group is for people with early diagnoses as well as those who have lived with the condition for longer.
“Although the majority who came to our first meeting are older, we are well aware that dementia can affect younger folk too.”
The choir is a resource produced in 2018 by The Salvation Army’s Music And Creative Arts and Older People’s Ministries teams.
It offers a programme of music to help people connect with others and bring back memories.
Called Singing By Heart, it mixes hymns, such as Joy In My Heart, with popular songs like Moon River, each one carefully selected to be easily recognised.
The sessions are designed to encourage communication, recollection of memories, and happy thoughts for those taking part.
It is also hoped carers will find the sessions beneficial, as an opportunity for them to relax, make friends, and share experiences.
Music is known to be a powerful trigger for past memories and feelings in those living with dementia.
“One lady really enjoyed the session,” says Lt Coates. “Her carer said that they had never seen her smile so much.
“And another person was up on their feet and dancing to Bring Me Sunshine.
“The idea is to stimulate beautiful memories.”
Lt Coates and her fellow group leader are able to run the group having undergone training by the Salvation Army.
“It’s very well organised,” Lieutenant Coates says. “We have to train not only in leadership, but in dementia awareness, as part of the Older People’s Ministry Services.
“Even the building is checked to make sure that it is helpful for those living with dementia - that there are not too many doors, for example.”
Salvation Army Lower Earley is connected to the NHS Social Prescribing scheme, whereby local agencies such as charities, social care and health centres refer people to activities, groups and services in their area.
“We work with our local GPs,” says Lieutenant Coates.
“We initially saw a need for dementia friendly activities in our church, and soon realised that it was very likely to be welcomed by our local community too.
“So we approached our GPs, who thought it was a great idea to start a Singing By Heart choir here.”
The Singing By Heart dementia friendly group meets at the Salvation Army church, Chalfont Close, Lower Earley on the first Tuesday of the month.
Doors open at 11am