Local charity Independent Arts is delighted to have reached the first anniversary since the launch of SingAbout, its hugely popular singing for wellbeing project.
SingAbout is a fun and social music therapy which can help to maintain memory and improve mood and wellbeing.
It can also improve breathing, movement, speech and confidence.
Work started in 2008
Work on the project started back in 2008, and a number of trial sessions were delivered by Independent Arts and funded by Age Concern. This led to a pilot group held at the Gouldings in Freshwater funded by the Rural Community Council before the sessions officially began in spring 2011.
Following the successful completion of the pilot scheme, the first SingAbout group was held at Freshwater Memorial Hall on 12th March 2011. This was quickly followed by the Newport group, which started on 3rd April 2011. Both groups have gone from strength to strength, with regular numbers of over 25 people attending each session weekly.
Ryde group launched in 2011
Independent Arts also launched the Ryde group in September 2011, which is also flourishing, and a South Wight group is due to be launched later this year.
Kate Ball, manager at Independent Arts is delighted with the progress of SingAbout, and its growing popularity on the Island, “We are thrilled to be celebrating the first anniversary since we launched our regular SingAbout group. The popularity of the sessions shows us the high demand for creative therapeutic activities such as this, and we hope to keep SingAbout thriving for many years to come through ongoing fundraising.
“We are proud to be able to offer the sessions free to our participants thanks to the trusts and foundations who have awarded grants.”
Who benefits?
SingAbout is based on the ‘Singing for the Brain’ therapy, which was developed specifically for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia sufferers, as well as people whose brain functions are affected perhaps by a stroke or injury.
‘Singing for the Brain’ is a trademarked therapy which has gained much recognition through studies undertaken with patients. It is recognised by the NHS as the most effective form of complementary therapy for this group and it works by stimulating, improving and maintaining the brain’s neurological pathways.
SingAbout sessions have a wider benefit to both carers and participants by providing group activity and encouraging social interaction. The sessions require group participation, and sometimes songs will be sung in rounds. Many of the songs require gentle hand actions or chair-based movements. Some are specifically chosen to invoke memories; some are previously unknown so participants are encouraged to memorise the words.
For more information about SingAbout and how you can support our work, please contact Caroline Ash on 822437 or at [email protected]
