Singing for wellbeing

By Jon Moreno

Friday, March 30, 2012

 

Singing for wellbeing

Front, from left, Gladys Penstone, Sandy Kealty, May Pointer, Dorothy Key. Back, Angela Green, Derick Oakham, Sally Cooper, Judith Bailey, Viv Key, Doug Snoody and Millie Hickman. Picture by Robin Crossley.

MUSIC A MUSIC therapy group aiming to help Islanders with dementia to improve memory, have fun and boost confidence celebrated its first birthday.
SingAbout followed from a project on therapy for the brain.
It was developed for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia and people whose brain functions are affected by a stroke or injury.
The therapy, recognised by the NHS as the most effective form of complementary therapy for this group, gained recognition through studies with patients.
Trial sessions were funded by Age Concern and provided by Independent Arts, which led to a pilot group at The Gouldings, a facility for the elderly, in Freshwater.
Following its success, the first SingAbout group was formed in Freshwater and another group in Newport followed. The Ryde group started in September and a South Wight group will be launched soon.
SingAbout is free and encourages social interaction in groups.
Many of the songs require gentle hand actions or chair-based movements, while some are chosen to invoke memories.
Independent Arts manager, Kate Ball, said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating its first anniversary. We hope to keep it thriving for many years to come through ongoing fundraising.”

Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk

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