The Shine a Light Dementia singing group, supported by Black Country Brighter Lives, the charity of Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has returned to bring the joy of singing to people living with dementia and their carers.
Supported by clinicians and health professionals from the trust, the singing group is led by Sarah Jones, a singing teacher and community choir leader with over 25 years of experience. The group is a place for people to meet others, have fun and enjoy the therapeutic efforts of music and singing.
It is funded entirely by donations to the Trust charity, which works to support the health and wellbeing of patients, families and communities across the Black Country to live happier and healthier lives.
Sessions take place on Mondays, 11am to 1pm at the YMCA West Bromwich, YMCA Western Gateway, 38 Carters Green, West Bromwich B70 9LG on the following dates:
- 9/16/23/30 June
- 7 July
- 22/29 September
- 6/13/20 October
The singing group’s mission is to reduce social isolation, foster community, and give people with dementia a voice and sense of belonging.
The Shine a Light singing group has run twice before and members of the group have previously shared how singing together has brought them joy and connection, helping them navigate their dementia journeys.
Gary, a member, shared his experience: “When you get to a certain age and you're not as well as you used to be, to come to a place like this and to be able to do things that you did a long time ago, it rekindles a lot of memories. It gives you confidence, gives you a feeling of I am still something. I am still, you know, worthwhile.
“I haven't sung in a long time, apart from in church, but it has felt really special being with every one of these people, because they are very supportive from the moment you walk in, to the moment you walk out. It's been great and I hope there's more for other people to experience this.”
Jenny, who attends the group with her dad, Bob, said, “Very much like Gary, we love the companionship and really enjoy coming into somewhere where people have got similar challenges and are just coming together to make the best of a situation. It’s just so joyful. And particularly for us, something to do that's not a task, not an appointment, not a medical thing, but actually something fun to do with dad, so we look forward to it and we have a laugh.
“There's no dumbing down, you know, everybody's spoken to with dignity and respect and the breathing exercises and everything, is like a proper choir. And that's made dad practise his breathing and practise his words and recollection.”
Bob, Jenny's dad, added: “When you come to something like this, you don't really know what you letting yourself in for, but I'm glad I did it. I've enjoyed every bit of it, even the songs.”
Choir leader, Sarah Jones shared, “There is nothing better than uniting together in the communion of music, and in my case, it's singing. Over the many years of leading community choirs, members have shared with me the physical and psychological benefits they have experienced, especially during difficult times. It is a basic human function, and without doubt, the breathing, posture, and vocalizing exercises required for our singing, along with the fellowship, can only bring a sense of well-being.
“It was evident at the end of our last Shine a Light experience, participants felt uplifted and refreshed. I hope the power of music and its connection with our past or community will calm the struggles which dementia can bring.”
Pete, who attends with his wife Dot, shared his perspective: “Dot is the only person here who's living in a care home and it’s really important to get Dot out of the house.
“Dot's always been a church goer as well as a musician and although she doesn't appear sometimes to be taking any notice, I assure you there's a lot going on inside. She watches Sarah sometimes like a hawk, and she's sort of transfixed, so this is pretty good for someone in her position.
“I had a call from the dementia support people and was asked if there is anything that we need or want and I said, yeah, we'd like another dementia singing group!” he added.
The singing group is reliant on charitable donations to return each time and has benefited from donations from grants, organisations and individuals who have felt inspired to fundraise on the group's behalf. The Trust encourages more people from the local community to fundraise and volunteer, aiming to support individuals across the Black Country in leading brighter lives.
Watch a video about the Shine a Light singing group here: https://youtu.be/xvvG5YcUFxQ
If you would like to attend please contact: manisha.patel48@nhs.net.
To find out more about Black Country Brighter Lives and how you can support their work, visit: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/support-our-charity