Lady Mayoress of London opens Singing for the Brain™ group in Croydon
Published 6 July 2012
On Friday 29 June the Lady Mayoress of London officially opened a new singing group for people living with dementia. The Singing for the Brain™ service in Croydon will support people with dementia
Alzheimer's Society run a variety of services which aim to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers. Singing for the Brain™ is just one of our services which run across several areas of England , Wales and Northern Ireland. The service programme has been developed by music specialists to help people with memory problems and has been specifically created for people with dementia and their carers to help to sustain mental and psychological well-being.
The Singing for the Brain™ service in Croydon is one of three new singing groups being launched in South London by Alzheimer's Society. The two new groups in Croydon and one in Lewisham have been generously funded thanks to the Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation and will support people with dementia and their carers living in the local area.
Mashhood Ahmed, Alzheimer's Society Support Services Manager in Croydon, said:
'Singing for the Brain™ provides an opportunity to build friendships, gain support and share experiences with people who understand the issues surrounding living with memory problems and dementia. I've seen people who are barely able to speak, be transformed by the music, singing along to tunes from their past as if their old memories are suddenly unlocked. It's also great fun and uplifting for everyone who takes part'
The Croydon service was officially opened on Friday 29 June 2012 by the Lady Mayoress of London , Mrs Liz Wootton, The Lady Mayoress said:
'I am delighted to open a new singing group for people living with dementia in Croydon. The Alzheimer's Society 'Singing for the Brain' programme provides vital support and stimulation for all those affected by dementia - patients, carers and their families. Groups such as these are a lifeline for isolated individuals, and are designed to sustain and improve health and wellbeing - psychologically and physically, as one undoubtedly affects the other. Music nourishes the body, soul and mind and I am so glad that the Alzheimer's Society and music-therapy specialists are providing this essential, enjoyable, and incredibly effective service.'
For more information about Singing for the Brain™ or other Alzheimer's Society services in Croydon and Lewisham, please contact the local office on 020 8916 3587.
