A Peasedown St John project is on the look out for a musician to lead their new, monthly singing classes for people living with dementia.

‘Dementia Friendly Peasedown’, formed in 2018 to raise awareness of dementia in the community, is running the new initiative.

Project Manager, Nathan Hartley, said: “As the number of people living longer increases, so does the number of cases of dementia increase. As a way of helping care for and support people with dementia, music has been shown to often have a dramatic effect.

“Whether it’s 60s soul, operatic arias or songs from the shows, music can soothe, stimulate and bring to mind long-forgotten memories.

“The power of music, especially singing, to unlock memories is an increasingly key feature of dementia care. It seems to reach parts of the damaged brain in ways other forms of communication cannot.”

The auditory system of the brain is the first to fully function at sixteen weeks, which means that a person is musically receptive long before anything else.

“So it’s a case of first in, last out when it comes to a dementia-type breakdown of memory,” added Nathan.

Dementia Friendly Peasedown’s new singing group will be held once a month at St John’s Parish Church. Song books are provided.

Dementia awareness campaigner, Jane Street, said: “Everybody loves to sing, whether you’re two years old, or 102 years old! Music, especially singing, can be a great tool for bringing people together.

“Our dementia-friendly carol service in December was hugely popular, showing just how important music can be!”

If you can help lead the new dementia-friendly singing group, please email Nathan Hartley, at: nathan_hartley@ msn.com.

Readers can also visit: www.facebook.com/dementiafriendlypeasedown for more information.