Beyond Dementia's Music for the Mind Project: Delivering Social Value and Wellbeing Outcomes
Project: Music for the Mind
Charity & Partner Name: Beyond Dementia and Selwood Housing
Location: Beyond Dementia is made up of local communities from Amesbury, Chippenham, Salisbury, Trowbridge and Westbury who are living with dementia, along with their family, friends and carers in Wiltshire.
Amount Secured: £5,000
About the Project:
Beyond Dementia, previously named Alzheimers Support, is a local charity rooted in the communities they serve. Beyond Dementia supports people who are living with dementia in their own homes, helping them to maintain as much independence and control over their lives as possible. Beyond Dementia curates and hosts many activities and impressive initiatives for people living with dementia, their friends, family and carers.
Beyond Dementia run services from day clubs, to one-to-one support, to singing and art groups, where people can be themselves and enjoy company. Where choice and dignity are preserved and this time together is creative, productive, meaningful and enjoyable.
Alzheimer’s Support was founded in 1990 by former care home worker Anna Littlechild at a time when there was no specialist support for people affected by dementia in Wiltshire, and in 1994 they opened their first club for six members! They have carried on expanding to meet demand ever since, and the history behind this group and its longevity reflects the dedication and hard work which has been put in, from all of the organisers and volunteers throughout the decades.
The new brand and name change from Alzheimers Support to Beyond Dementia, was put in place to fully reflect how they support people with all types of dementia, how they see the person behind the diagnosis, and how they support people to live and enjoy life after a diagnosis of dementia.
They haven’t changed their ethos, their ways of working or their people. They are still a completely independent Wiltshire charity delivering practical support, one-to one care, day clubs, dementia advisers and their ever-growing range of community groups and activities for people affected by dementia and family carers. For people who use their services, the only thing that has changed for its participants is the name of the organisation.
Beyond Dementia came up with the name after consulting with their staff, volunteers and the people who use their services, and with the help of an incredible brand specialist Robin Worrall who visited their clubs and groups to get a feel for who they are and what they do. We love it and they hope you will too!
Creating Social Value:
Beyond Dementia has formed many initiatives, group activities and projects to support people living with dementia and those affected by it. Beyond Dementia recognises in its entirety the life after being diagnosed by dementia, and how this should be cherished and supported. One of the projects which Beyond Dementia champions is their specialist dementia-friendly Music for the Mind programme. The South West Procurement Alliance’s Community Benefit Fund grant, allocated by Selwood Housing and distributed via Locality, went towards this worthwhile project.
Beyond Dementia founded the Music for the Mind programme in answer to a clear need identified by local people living with dementia and their carers, who are often elderly. This impressive project runs fortnightly throughout the year at eight venues across Wiltshire, five of which would be accessible to existing Selwood residents who live within Amesbury, Chippenham, Salisbury, Harnham, Trowbridge and Westbury.
Social Value Impact:
The sessions are 90 minutes long and are thoughtfully structured to be both stimulating and fun. The music involved in the sessions range from the golden classics to learning new songs and singing rhymes – there really is a great variety to capture everyone’s favorites and ensure everyone is included.
Each session also starts with all-important social time and refreshments before beginning a vocal warm up. There is always lots of laughter and great memories made, with members encouraged to suggest songs of their choosing, ensuring everyone is involved and therefore the atmosphere is always warm and friendly. This makes a huge difference to people living with dementia and their carers, who otherwise may have felt isolated or overlooked.
Additionally, each of the Music for the Mind sessions includes hugely dedicated volunteers and are led by a professionally trained singing teacher, who is also trained in dementia awareness. This ensures all participants are in safe, reliable and understanding hands. Even better, these sessions have been designed to involve not only those with dementia, but also for family and carers to attend alongside. This means that the sessions are all inclusive and support not only those living with dementia, but also those effected by it as well. Bringing a family member and/or carer also means that extra support is given to more people, providing a strong community for those in need and fully reflecting how dementia effects those around us.
Not only is this programme essential to the community in supporting people living with dementia and their carers, but also is a regular activity which those involved look forward to, it is a social event which is always supportive and friendly.
Legacy:
Specifically, music for those who live with dementia has proven benefits, including brain stimulation, often unlocking parts of the brain and allowing them to retain songs and connect with others, or an activity, on a different level. Additionally, meeting up for a social activity alleviates depression, isolation and reminds people living with dementia that they are not alone.
Benefits Delivered:
- Provides support and advice to 2,500 people in Wiltshire every year.
- Their support workers bring companionship and meaningful activities to 328 people living with dementia every week.
- 188 people so far have a grand day out at their day clubs every week, while their families have a break from caring.
Testimonials from Music for the Mind:
“We wanted to say thank you for all your friendship, laughter and fun. You have all been brilliant and we have enjoyed our Wednesday afternoons so much, it made such a difference to both of us” – Seend Music for the Mind, Sue and Doreen.
“The singing is so wonderful to see. I love your work and everything you stand for. You enrich the lives of those you care for; not all care facilities are like this! You're amazing.” - Westbury Music for the Mind.
“Your whole organisation has been so supportive and helpful, Eric loved the groups, especially the music one.” - Jan Tetlow, Seend Music for the Mind
“Many thanks to you and all your team of staff and volunteers. You are doing an amazing job and have definitely been a lifeline for Terry and I.” – Karen and Terry Glassock.
“Alzheimer’s Support has made an enormous positive difference to our lives. We really enjoy all the groups we attend (singing, movement and art). When I look back on the past year, I don’t know how we would have coped without you all. You are an amazing bunch of people and we really, really appreciate all you do.” – Karen and Terry Glassock.
Contact Beyond Dementia and Find Out More:
https://beyonddementia.org.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/beyonddementiawiltshire/
https://www.facebook.com/BeyondDementiaWiltshire/