Music helping in dementia battle

DEMENTIA awareness sessions at St Herbert’s Court in Chadderton. From left: Sandra Stone, Pauline Smith, Barbara Whiteman and Rena Wright.

THE power of music, particularly singing, to help kick-start grey matter and improve the lives of people with dementia is happening in Oldham.

A music group is part of various activities taking place throughout the borough organised by Making Space, a charity based at the Link Centre in Union Street.

The dementia support worker who takes the music sessions says that they are helping to promote speech and improve language skills.

The group also gives a sense of companionship to its members, he adds.

The charity is aiming to create dementia-friendly communities within the borough, helping anyone who may be living with dementia or caring for a person with dementia.

The music group meets at St Herbert’s Court in Wellington Street, Chadderton. Each morning, members attend for some music, a singalong and to relax in a friendly, safe environment.

Amanda Barrell, a support worker for the Oldham Dementia Action Alliance, said: “People find it breaks up the day.

“It can be a long, challenging day and this can keep them occupied. It also takes the pressure off the carers.

“We really want to generate membership of the alliance, which is a free way for businesses to promote themselves as a more customer-friendly business, raise awareness of dementia, break down stigmas and highlight the fact that Oldham has a fantastic wider memory team.”

Peter Lane takes the music group sessions in Chadderton. A retired nurse, he has had a lot of experience in dealing with mental health issues.

He said: “This group gives them social support, friendship and a sense of companionship. It gives people a chance to meet other people who are going along the same journey.

“They share their thoughts and feelings. It brings that community together, who may otherwise struggle or are socially isolated.

“People coming into the group can feel a little bit anxious and this helps. Music brings down barrier. It helps with word finding.

“It helps promote people’s speech and language skills. It helps them feel a part of something going on rather than just observing.

“It doesn’t matter if they don’t keep in time. It doesn’t matter if they don’t want to sing along and just be in the background and sit quietly. That’s fine. They still get a sense of wellbeing and enjoyment, and a feeling of fulfilment.”

Robert Hassall (72), from Royton, comes along to the sessions with his wife Margaret (70) who has Alzheimer’s. He said: “She finds it very good. If I didn’t go it would be a nightmare. She gets irritable and agitated. She needs other company around her.

“With groups like this she gets to do what she wants to do. She has a laugh and a joke

“She used to like karaoke and she used to like singing. She was quite a lively person, with many friends.

“Now we tend to stick to these groups and immediate friends because she gets agitated.

“I can relax and have a brew and a chin-wag with other people.”

There are various groups and sessions which take place each week throughout the borough and many events going on as part of Dementia Awareness Week from May 15-21.

For more information on any of the above sessions and events, contact Amanda on 07966 887152 or email Amanda.Barrell@makingspace.co.uk.