A popular singing group for people living with dementia and their carers is returning to Swindon Arts Centre.
Memory Sing, sponsored by Willowbrook View, is being brought back by Swindon Theatres and will run alongside the organisation’s monthly Memory Café and Memory Cinema sessions at the Wyvern Theatre and Swindon Arts Centre.
The free group uses familiar songs and music to create a relaxed and welcoming environment where people can meet others, share experiences and enjoy singing together.
Organisers say the sessions are designed to encourage social interaction and wellbeing, while providing an opportunity to reconnect with music and memories.
Oli Webb, Creative Learning Manager and Chair of the Swindon Dementia Action Alliance, said music could remain an important way of connecting with people living with dementia.
“Musical memory and emotional memory often survive much longer than other memories,” he said.
“Each session will include a time to chat and have a cuppa, but also go over people’s favourite songs and have guest performers join.”
The sessions will be led by Trudy, an accordionist and singer, and Carole, a singer and dancer. Both work at the Wyvern Theatre and have been involved with the theatre’s Memory Events since they began around 10 years ago.
Webb said the aim was to create a group firmly rooted in the local community.
“We want to create a group that is rooted deeply in the community of Swindon, for the community of Swindon,” he said.
Memory Sing is sponsored by Willowbrook View, a care home in Wichelstowe which provides residential, dementia and respite care.
The group forms part of a wider programme of dementia-friendly activities organised by Swindon Theatres, providing opportunities for people living with dementia and their carers to take part in social and cultural activities.
Anyone wanting more information or interested in getting involved can contact Oli Webb at owebb@wyverntheatre.org.uk.
