The Shine a Light dementia singing group, supported by Black Country Brighter Lives, the charity of Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust brings 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.

The singing group’s mission is to reduce social isolation, foster community, and give people with dementia a voice and sense of belonging.

Experience a little of Shine a light dementia singing group in this video.

We are back in February 2026! 

Shine a light dementia singing group returns on Monday 23 February 2026 in West Bromwich. Dates and details are below. If you would like to attend, please contact Manisha Patel: bchft.brighterlives@nhs.net.

Please share our Shine a light poster with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. 

Dementia choir 2026 v2.jpgShine a light dementia singing group returns on Monday 23 February 2026 at YMCA in West Bromwich.

Dates

  • Monday 23 February 
  • Monday 2 March
  • Monday 9 March
  • Monday 23 March
  • Monday 30 March
  • Monday 13 April
  • Monday 20 April
  • Monday 27 April
  • Monday 11 May
  • Monday 18 May (final celebration)

Address

YMCA Western Gateway

38 Carters Green

West Bromwich B70 9LG

Poster

Download our Shine a light poster and share with others.

Contact

If you would like to attend, please contact Manisha Patel: bchft.brighterlives@nhs.net.

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. 

If you would like to donate to the dementia singing group, please contact:

bchft.brighterlives@nhs.net.

You can get in touch with Shine a light singing group through our Trust charity brighter lives:

bchft.brighterlives@nhs.net.

Dementia choir poster

Hear from previous attendees

Jenny (Bob's daughter)
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.
Gary
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.
Pete (Dot's husband)
Dot 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!