The Shine a Light singing group, established by Black Country Brighter Lives, the charity of Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, held its final performance at the YMCA in West Bromwich on Monday 24 March 2025.
This event marked the culmination of ten weekly sessions, bringing together families, friends, carers, and the public to witness a moving performance, giving those living with dementia an opportunity to engage in a meaningful and therapeutic activity within an inclusive environment.
The interactive final performance featured a variety of songs, with solos from group members throughout. The singing group’s mission is to reduce social isolation, foster community, and give people with dementia a voice and sense of belonging.
Members of the singing group 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.”
Supported by clinicians and health professionals from the Trust, the singing group was led by Sarah Jones, a singing teacher and community choir leader with over 25 years of experience.
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 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 received a generous donation from the Power of Music, who awarded the Trust £3000 to deliver the group over three years, along with West Bromwich Building Society, which provided a £600 boost through the Mercian Community Trust.
This funding is crucial for the charity, which relies entirely on donations to support the health and wellbeing of patients, families, and communities across the Black Country.
Amy Mason and Judy Brown from West Bromwich Building Society attended the event. Amy said, “Supporting our local communities is really important to us.
“Dementia affects all of us in one way or another but sometimes people do not know how to approach it. When this application came in, seeing a group that was really supporting people in the local community with dementia meant masses to us.
“To be able to come here and see the impact it’s made and how much the singing group helps people with dementia is fantastic. Having a group like this is so important because it allows people with dementia and their families to connect with others in similar situations.”
Another member, Rachel Withey, who attended with her dad, is now fundraising to bring back the dementia singing group after her dad expressed how much he would love to return, calling it the highlight of his weeks.
To support this cause, Rachel, a BSL user and sign language teacher, is organising an online signed song event. Donations can be made here: Rebecca Withey is fundraising for Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
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