Alzheimer's Society chosen as Zurich Community Trust's new national charity partner - Zurich to grant Alzheimer's Society £150,000 to fund 'Singing for the brain'

Over 1,700 Zurich employees across the UK participated in a poll of charities who work to support older people, with Alzheimer's Society emerging the clear favourite.

The award of £50,000 a year for the next three years will fund up to 200 'Singing for the Brain' sessions, designed around the principles of music therapy and singing, for  120 people living with dementia and their carers. Zurich Community Trust, which is funded by Zurich and donations from its employees, is making the grant. Zurich will be working with both Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland, who will be providing support north of the border.

The grant will also fund an evaluation project of the 'Singing for the Brain' service to ensure that the needs of marginalised communities, such as those in more disadvantaged areas, are considered as the service develops.

'Singing for the Brain' uses singing to bring people living with dementia, their carers and volunteers together in a friendly and stimulating social environment.  Alzheimer's Society has found that music is an extremely effective form of therapy for those living with dementia, enhancing well-being and confidence.

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said:

'We are delighted that Zurich staff have voted so overwhelmingly to support our work. People living with dementia and their carers frequently tell us that Singing for the Brain sessions are the highlight of their week. We look forward to working with Zurich's Community Trust and are extremely grateful for the company's long-term commitment'.

Steve Grimmett, of the Zurich Community Trust, said:

'We are very excited about announcing Alzheimer's Society as a new national charity partner. Zurich employees have been involved in this decision every step of the way and it's great so many of them took part in making this choice.

'Dementia among older people is obviously an issue which resonates with Zurich employees and we will work closely with our new partner to provide meaningful volunteering opportunities which go well beyond the funding element of the partnership.'

Alzheimer's Society will now join CLIC Sargent and Hope and Homes for Children as Zurich Community Trust's third national charity partner.

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Notes to editors

About Alzheimer's Society:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
  

About the Zurich Community Trust:

• For more information about Zurich Community Trust, contact Rajan Lakhani on 0207 648 3503 or at rajan.lakhani@uk.zurich.com
• The Zurich Community Trust, a UK registered charity funded by pre-tax profits and donations from Zurich's staff, provides an umbrella for all Zurich's community involvement in the UK.
• Zurich Cares and The Openwork Foundation are charity funds of the Zurich Community Trust, which employees of Zurich and members of Openwork support with personal donations of time and money. The donations and funds raised are matched by the Zurich Community Trust, providing finance to support hundreds of local charities, their three national charity partners and a range of projects overseas.
• Through the award -winning Zurich Cares scheme, every Zurich employee is encouraged to spend one paid day a year volunteering in the local community.
• The Zurich Community Trust donated around £3.7 million to 760 charities in 2011, helping them to support disadvantaged people move from dependence to independence.
• As well as addressing parental drug misuse, the isolation of older people and young people's mental health through long term programmes the Zurich Community Trust manages and matches Zurich employees' £520,000 donations, 41,000 hours of business volunteering time involving 35% of UK staff. This included 217 annual team challenge activities and 138 Skillshares.
• Since it was set up in 1973 over £63 million has been donated to local communities in the UK and overseas.
• Visit Zurich Community Trust's website on www.zurich.org.uk for more details.