Page 57 - Phonebox Magazine October 2014

Lighting the Way
New Singing for the Brain Group
For people with dementia in Milton Keynes
Anew singing group for people living with dementia has been launched by Alzheimer’s Society in Central Milton Keynes.
Singing for the Brain® is a programme developed by Alzheimer’s Society for people with dementia. The programme promotes communication through singing which can help with articulation, concentration, focus and motivation. Specially trained facilitators deliver a varied programme of warm up vocal exercises, gentle rhythmic movement, percussion and a wide selection of well- known songs.
The groups are relaxed and fun and are attended by both women and men living with dementia, along with their carers, who all derive a great deal of pleasure from them. For some it is the highlight of their week and they go home feeling positive and looking forward to the following session.
Nick Stratford Williams, who regularly attends the group and has Alzheimer’s, said: ‘I love singing. It makes me happy and I can’t
wait for the next one. I just love it.’
Linda Barnes, Alzheimer’s Society Operations Manager for in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire said: ‘Even when many memories are hard to retrieve, music can often still be recalled - if only for a short while. The Singing for the Brain sessions are designed to help people with dementia communicate, improving their mood and leaving them feeling good about themselves and bringing everyone together.’
The groups are held at The Peartree Centre, 1 Chadds Lane, Peartree Bridge, Milton Keynes MK6 3EB on alternate Mondays from 10.30am-12.30pm. There are spaces for more people to come along on a regular or occasional basis with no requirement of previous singing experience.
With the right support people can live well with dementia in their communities. To find out more about attending Singing for the Brain® and other services in the area contact Alison McGee on 01908 232612.
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Phonebox Magazine 57
Photos by Jeremy Wilson