Sessions use the power of music to unlock memories

The leader of a singing group for people living with dementia and their carers which is launching at The Salvation Army’s Hadleigh Farm Estate next week says she can’t wait to get started. 

Tara Dye will lead Singing by Heart which will meet twice monthly on a Thursday afternoon at The Hub on Chapel Lane from 26 September. The sessions use a mixture of secular and religious songs to encourage communication and recollection of memories. The songs will include Moon River, Amazing Grace, Rock Around The Clock and Morning Has Broken.   

It is also hoped the session will give carers the opportunity to relax, make friends and share experiences. 

Tara said: “I am very excited to be bringing The Salvation Army’s Singing by Heart sessions to Hadleigh. Music has always been a big part of my life, and after 15 years of leading leading musical sessions with other age groups in the community, I am looking forward to diversifying into a different area using music to connect with memories and stimulate minds.” 

Daniel Elson, Outreach partner for The Salvation Army’s Music and Creative Arts Department, leads Singing by Heart Training across the country for the church and charity with Ali Thornton-Dean from Older People’s Ministries.  

He said they make a big difference to people living with such a devastating condition. 

Daniel commented: “Singing by Heart is a brilliant way to promote living well with dementia and we hope that in every session we can bring a boost to someone’s day. The songs stimulate good memories but also bring a smile to everyone’s faces which is more important than ever when living with dementia."  

Funding for the group has come from the Power of Music Fund which is managed by The National Academy for Social Prescribing. 

Charlotte Osborn-Forde, CEO at the National Academy for Social Prescribing, said: “We’re thrilled to have awarded Hadleigh Farm Estate this funding as part of the Power of Music’s mission to deliver funds to grassroots projects as part of social prescribing, especially in parts of the country where the need is greatest.  

“The money can cover basic costs such as room hire and travel, but more importantly, it will provide support for people living with dementia and their families, improving their physical and mental wellbeing and creating moments of joy and connection through music.” 

Sessions at Hadleigh Farm get underway at 1.30pm with refreshments ready for a 2pm start. 

They are free of charge although places must be booked in advance. To book a place or for more information, call Tara 07586 570466