Forever Singing Memory Choir is a new group here in Basingstoke. The choir has been developed by a small group of people who all sing with The Basing Singers (including their conductor, Stuart!) They have been volunteering in a community service for people living with dementia and have seen first-hand the remarkable impact of singing! Happy smiling faces, people singing along – some of whom no longer have great capacity to chat due to the progression of their condition. Research about the power of singing for people with dementia illustrates the positive impact of singing on mood, communication and memory, reduced anxiety and isolation, and these impacts can be felt both for the person living with the condition and those around them. What’s more, the positive impact of singing has been recognised in managing other conditions like Parkinson’s disease and a whole range of mental health issues – IT’S OFFICIAL, singing is good for us all!
Forever Singing is setting up a choir in Basingstoke which is open to people living with health challenges, their family/carers and people who may find the demands of other choirs too great. The choir will be fun, relaxing and rewarding, a chance to meet other people. No-one needs to be able to read music but if you do, that’s great too.
The first choir session will be on Tuesday 9th September, 2pm – 3.30pm, arrival from 1.45pm, at Rucstall Community Centre, Holbein Close, Basingstoke, RG21 3QN. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided. There is no charge although if you wish to make a small donation to running costs then that will be appreciated.
You can find out more by emailing us at: foreversinginguk@gmail.com to ask questions or to let us know you are coming!