Make new friends at ‘Music and Movement for the Mind’

The weekly Music and Movement for the Mind sessions organised by Alzhemier’s Support in Mildenhall are as much about having fun and meeting new people as about the singing
and exercise themselves. They are held every Tuesday in the village hall from 10.30am to 12 noon and new members are very welcome.

Singing together in a supportive, friendly group is uplifting, enjoyable and hugely therapeutic for people living with dementia and carers alike.

The sessions are carefully structured to be both stimulating and fun. Although well-loved classics are part of the mix, the group also learn new songs, sing rhymes and action songs that help physical co-ordination, and tackle harmonies, rounds and partner songs. 

The singing sessions alternate weekly with gentle exercise classes. “Exercise is good for everyone,” says instructor Pash Ashley, “but a lot of groups are geared towards the super fit. Anyone can come along to Movement for the Mind, we won’t make them do press-ups!”

“Not everyone can do all of the exercises, but people work within their limitations so are still actively participating. People with restricted mobility and wheelchair users are welcome to come along.”

“A lot of the things we do replicate what people do at home, like sitting down, standing up, manual dexterity such as moving their fingers and wrists. We’re exercising the mind and muscles that people use every day.”

Both singing and movement sessions are led by experienced trained leaders who are supported by volunteers. It’s a very friendly group and there is no need for prior experience or expertise.

To find out more or to come along, call Alzheimer’s Support on 01380 739055 or go to their website.

BACKGROUND:  Alzheimer’s Support is an independent charity with its head office in Trowbridge.  It was founded in 1990.

• They operate throughout Wiltshire to provide flexible services for people living at home with all types of dementia and their family carers.
• Their services include: award-winning daycare, support at home, carers’ groups, carer training, Music for the Mind singing groups, memory cafes, art groups, Movement for the Mind exercise groups, discussion groups, wildlife clubs and life story groups.
• Dementia Advisers give information and signpost to services that offer support to people with dementia and their families throughout the course of the illness.
• Alzheimer’s Support works with communities, businesses and organisations so they can become dementia-aware.
• They campaign on issues that affect people with dementia and their families.
• The employ 120 staff and more than 150 volunteers. 

There are nearly 7,000 people living with dementia in the Wiltshire area -  of these 66 per cent have a diagnosis.