Singing for Fun aims to support those living with Dementia, Parkinson’s, acquire brain injuries, PTSD, or those living with the after effects of a stroke.
Home Instead Tavistock organize Singing for Fun, a group which meets on the last Wednesday of each month at Tavistock Methodist Church between 2.00-4.00pm, and everyone is welcome!
You may have seen Vicky McClure in Our Dementia Choir with Vicky McClure who campaigns with the Open University and the Alzheimer’s Society to reveal how music can stimulate a brain damaged by dementia.
Richard Marsh, one of the Home Instead Care Professionals involved in Singing for Fun, participated in the August 2022 session. Richard brings his guitar to the sessions and leads them with charm and charisma. Whilst packing up his guitar at the ends of a session I asked him why he gets involved in this project. With a glint in his eye, he responded ‘I love to make people smile. There is something so special about the power of music to bring people together and Singing for Fun shows us just that.’
Sarah, our piano player, loves to share music with the group and understands the power of fellowship and the joy of singing together.
Lynn Roddy, owner of Home Instead Tavistock, joins the sessions every month and is a huge advocate for music’s capacity for those living with dementia. “We’ve all experienced that feeling of being transported back to a place or time from our past through a piece of music, but for people with dementia that experience can be particularly magical.
“We welcome you to come and make music with us and bring joy and happiness back into your life! Come and join us, sing songs, play instruments, and enjoy a cup of tea.”
During the pandemic (in line with restrictions), our group held smaller sessions in people’s gardens who particularly needed some community during isolation. At this time, it was immensely important to keep the group going to show that those living with these conditions had not been forgotten. Now, returning to normality, it is extremely special to have a designated time and space every month to celebrate the group and meet to bring some joy and happiness to people’s lives. The group has grown to double figures, though there is space for more.
So, if you or a loved one could benefit from attending the group, please do come along. It is free of charge, you don’t have to be an excellent singer (as Richard can heartily vouch for), it is just for fun!
M4D (Music for Dementia) is a 24-hour group of five themed radio stations which play music that evokes memories for different decades.
Check out this resource to find out about the research connecting music and dementia.