Dementia Awareness Week Kicks Off with Singing for Memory
Cara McAleese, Arts and Health Project Manager said: “Many people living with dementia felt disconnected during the pandemic lockdowns and some didn’t have an understanding of why and what was happening. People lost social contact and so these sessions are an opportunity for people to reconnect and have fun. Music and singing has a positive effect on mood, can help with recollection, however short, and it can provide a period of respite for the carers who are doing something positive with their loved ones.”
National Dementia Awareness Week runs from 16-22 May and this year’s theme is to ‘act on dementia’. With diagnosis rates at a five-year low we would like to take this opportunity to encourage those who might be living with or worried about a friend or family to come forward and speak to a medical professional about any symptoms.
Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. There are many different causes of dementia and many different types.
I’ve been coming to the group since it began. It’s fantastic for meeting people and using music and singing to help us all reminisce and have fun.
Michele Clarke, Strategy and Delivery Manager at Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group said: “It is so important for people living with dementia and their carers to have opportunities to come together, and Singing for Memory is just one example of the great services we have across Doncaster. Over the coming months, the CCG and the Council are aspiring to get a more detailed understanding of the needs and experiences of those living with dementia to help improve services and activities and inform the development of future strategy."
To get involved please email:
Darts is a registered charity which hosts various activities at The Point in Doncaster such as a quirky choir, dances for over 50s and young people. More information can be found here The Point - Doncaster Community Arts
To join Singing for Memory please contact:
