Platinum selling artist Rick Guard swings by local Singing for Brain celebration

The group will be celebrating their third birthday by blowing out the candles on their cake at 2.00pm at Exwick Parish Hall, Exwick, Exeter EX4 4NZ. Rick will be joining in the celebrations and singing along with the group during the session.

Alzheimer's Society's Singing for the Brain™ is a stimulating social activity, designed to promote confidence and enhance the well being of those affected by memory problems. It helps to reduce social isolation by providing a relaxed and friendly network of support for people living with dementia and their carers. Specially trained facilitators deliver a varied programme of vocal, rhythmic and gentle physical exercise/dance along with songs from different eras and styles.

Rick Guard, Singer and Songwriter, says

'I'm delighted to support Alzheimer's Society Singing for the Brain™. This is a cause close to my heart as my mum had Alzheimer's disease.

What a wonderful and uplifting way to spend a few hours every week. Services like this are a lifeline for people affected by dementia. It can be isolating at times so it's important that people can access groups like these and meet other people in a similar situation.'

Singing for the Brain™ was launched in Exeter in October 2006 by volunteer Jean Usher. Jean was inspired after reading an article about Singing for the Brain™ and its benefits for people with dementia and their carers. She subsequently visited an Alzheimer's Society group in Newbury where the scheme was first piloted in 2003 and completed the training to become a group facilitator.

Jean later approached the Exeter and District branch of Alzheimer's Society to finance a Singing for the Brain group in Exeter. Following a successful pilot the group now meets weekly and is regularly attended by over 30 members, supported by a group of dedicated volunteers. Prior to setting up the group, Jean spent many years as a school music teacher and choir trainer whilst also caring for both her parents who had dementia.

One of the special features of the group in Exeter is the way in which group members enjoy continuing contact with younger members of the community.  In addition to visits from the children and staff from Redhills Community Primary School, girls from the Maynard School and students from Exeter University come every week to volunteer.