A Hamilton choir are using music to cope with the early stages of dementia.

Many gathered in St John’s church hall are living with the condition, while others are close family and friends who have adopted a full-time caring role.

All are united by the power of music and the Musical Memories Choir’s ground-breaking project is making a real difference in people’s lives.

Jack Pennie (84), who is affected by the early stages of the condition, is feeling the direct benefit. “I’ve been in the choir for two years and it’s certainly helped me with my memory,” said the former furniture sales manager.

“We have song sheets but we try to remember the words. Everyone is working together – at the end of the day music is the main focus and we’re very supportive of each other.”

Jack added: “Being part of the choir has been a huge boost because dementia can be a frightening condition. You can quickly feel alone but being amongst others in the same boat has been a comfort to me.”

His wife Sally (79), is his main carer and she too has found solace in singing. “It’s good to meet other people in similar situations,” Sally explained.

“The singing means everyone has something in common and it’s an immediate ice-breaker.

“Dementia can be a frightening prospect for the carer too – and again, having people around you who have complete empathy is an invaluable support.”

At the choral group’s weekly Wednesday morning meeting, the melodic verses of the haunting sea shanty, Lowlands Away, drift through the bustling streets of the town centre. Inside the sanctuary of the church hall, the choir are carefully rehearsing the powerful lament. From novices to seasoned baritones, the male and female members are expertly led by Shona Brown, a professional musician with a voice – and an infectious zeal – that fills the hall.

Since the choir’s inception two years ago, Shona, of SoundRoutes, has been teaching songs ranging from Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World to sea shanty What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor.

Today, the songstress effortlessly shifts the group’s tempo from the mournful Lowlands Away to The Carpenters’ upbeat Top of the World.

Teeda Boyd, formerly a dementia advisor with Alzheimer Scotland, was responsible for forming the choir – as a pilot project – in 2011.

Today, Teeda, in her role as locality development officer for Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire (VASLan), has been key to helping the choir become a permanent fixture – and in control of its own destiny.

“When the choir was set up it was paid for by a donation for Hamilton Bowling Club and kept going by other donations,” explained Teeda.

“Since March this year, they have become a fully constituted group enabling them to make a successful funding application to the lottery.”

Teeda’s provided support and training to enable the choir to become independent and constituted as part VASLan’s vital work in the nationwide Reshaping Care for Older People (RCOP) programme.

RCOP are looking at ways to support growing numbers of people aged 65 years and over, focusing on providing more care and support at home and in the community.

Teeda added: “As part of RCOP, we are also looking to help local people and groups develop and contribute to the services and support their community needs.

“My role here has been to work with the choir, to help them get established and to get some funding so they can run as a group on their own.

“It’s giving them the direct control to shape their future and provide vital support to those who need it most.”

The innovative work comes at a vital time. Over the next six years, there is expected to be 25 per cent more older people who may need some sort of assistance to live well in their own homes.

In response, RCOP combine the expertise of third sector organisations, like VASLan, with partner agencies including NHS Lanarkshire, North and South Lanarkshire Councils and the independent sector.

Key partners are now able to refer people affected by dementia, and their carers, to the choir for extra support.

Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Advisor, James McStay, also continues to support the choir through his presence at the weekly practice.

Musical Memories meet every Wednesday morning and are currently practicing for a number of bookings towards the end of the year.

Contact Anna Neill on 07751602648 or 01555 660329 or annaneill@freeuk.com

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/choir-using-music-cope-dementia-2474988