A local singing group, Songs for the Memory, is celebrating 10 years of using music to support people living with dementia and associated memory loss.
The group was originally known as Singing for the Brain which was started in 2014 by the Alzheimer’s Society. However, when the society could no longer provide funding, it was taken over in 2017 by Debby Webster and Janet Knowles who changed the name to Songs for the Memory.
The group, which won Frome Times’ Group of the Year for 2022, meets every Tuesday at the Masonic Hall to share the benefits of singing therapy.
“We are now a thriving community charity running free weekly singing sessions for local residents living with dementia and associated memory loss,” explained Debby.
To mark the milestone, the group held a party on Tuesday 9th July for all the members, with Frome’s mayor Cllr Andy Jones joining in the fun.
“Our highlights are many and include rebuilding the group after Covid when we lost so many dear friends in general,” says Debby. “Another is hosting the Rock Choir in the park last July and last year’s Christmas lunch at the Masonic Hall was very rewarding.
“Our challenges have always been funding and volunteers which to date we have successfully navigated.
“Our vision in 2017 and now was to support the local community by offering a free singing session for people living with dementia and those who would benefit from singing benefits for the brain.
“The future is to keep raising awareness of the benefits of singing therapy and to support carers and families in such a challenging experience. We warmly welcome everyone, preferably with a carer or family /member or friend.”