Interest in singing groups for people living with dementia has soared in Birmingham thanks to a moving two-part documentary fronted by TV star Vicky McClure, says Alzheimer’s Society. Following last week’s final episode of the BBC One show ‘Our Dementia Choir Sings Again’, the charity has recorded a marked increase in enquiries about its popular Singing for the Brain service.
In the programme Line of Duty star Vicky, an Alzheimer’s Society ambassador, shines a light on the connection between music and memory and how participation in singing groups can benefit people living with dementia. Since the first of the two episodes was aired on October 10, sign-ups from organisations and individuals interested in becoming a Singing for the Brain delivery partner have more than trebled.
Singing for the Brain is an uplifting and stimulating group activity, built around familiar and new songs, with fun vocal warm-ups. There are already groups set up across the UK, but Alzheimer’s Society wants more people in Birmingham to benefit.
The charity has created bespoke training to organisations or individuals across the UK, with an interest in music, to run their own group and become a Singing for the Brain delivery partner. They will provide partners with the support and resources to successfully do this.
Shelley Atkinson knows the benefits music has, as part of a Signing for the Brain group at the Leaf Creative Arts centre in Birmingham. She said: “Our sessions are designed with those with dementia in mind but are open to the wider community.
“The aim is to take away the stigma around dementia and ageing. We make sessions enjoyable for all age groups, with songs from various eras and try to tap into musical memories, but also make new ones. Ultimately, we want people to come and be in the moment as music can transport us to other places and times or transform our mood.
“When we sing together, there is quite often power in that togetherness providing a united experience. The group meets for our Moving Memories Choir at Stirchley Baths every third week of the month and has been so popular that we have just started another location in Edgbaston.
“We know Edgbaston has been highlighted as having an ageing community, so we are keen to get music to more people in that area. Music can be enjoyed by everyone.
“Singing at the choir puts a smile on people’s faces, while giving a bit of respite to family carers bringing their partner or loved one along. Our feedback shows that this carries through to the rest of the week in many cases, sparking memories and imagination.
“We usually get around 30 people attending each time. The social element is such a strong part of what the choir is about. If one carer is dealing with an issue, it is likely someone else there will have dealt with it before so they are able to share advice. Songs are really great for getting both sides of the brain working and active."
On average, Alzheimer’s Society receives two to three online registration forms to become a Singing for the Brain delivery partner a day. Since Vicky McClure’s choir documentary aired on Monday 10 and 17 October, there has been 60 new registration forms submitted to the charity.
There are more than 250 Alzheimer’s Society and delivery partner-run groups in the UK at present, with 17 across Birmingham and the West Midlands. It is estimated that 12,000 people are living with dementia in Birmingham. Singing for the Brain helps to reduce social isolation, improve quality of life, wellbeing and mood.
Janice Le Tellier, Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager for Birmingham, added: “Music memory is often retained when other memories are lost. She said: “Singing for the Brain can help people, even in advanced stages of dementia, tap into long-term memories linked to music and song.
“For some, this means they can communicate through singing when no longer able to do so through speech. We are changing the way we provide support for people affected by dementia in the community so we can reach more people through delivery partners.
“We want more people to benefit from our popular Singing for the Brain service. Too many face dementia alone. We want everyone affected by dementia to know that whatever you going through, you can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for practical advice, emotional support and guidance for the best next step.”
