Music workshops for dementia sufferers hit the right note with funding boost

Songs for You, a project to support dementia sufferers and their carers, is celebrating news that it has secured funding to continue its popular workshops for another year.

The workshops – with professional musicians leading participation in songs and music – take place in retirement living communities managed by Care Plus, in towns and villages throughout south Staffordshire. Free to attend, they are open to residents, people living in nearby communities, their families and carers. In November last year they were shortlisted for a top award by the Chartered Institute of Housing.

South Staffordshire Partnership has announced that it is backing the project with a grant of £3,500, crucially meaning that at least 20 workshops can take place in the next twelve months.  

“We are delighted with the continued success of Songs for You,” said Les Clarke, director of care and support at Care Plus. “More than 200 people have already taken part in these workshops. The songs and music have brought happiness, relieved isolation and in many cases unlocked memories.”

Family members often report great results from the sessions, as the daughter of one resident explained: “I accompanied my mom to a workshop and it was wonderful to see the smile on her face as she sang and clapped along. For a dementia sufferer, stimulation like this is important.”

News that the workshops will continue for another year has been welcomed by participants, too: “Days can be long and I enjoy coming to Songs for You very much.”