With around 100,000 people in East Sussex with dementia, Dementia Support East Sussex is a singing group offering support in the county.
Chair of the group Cliff Sack tells Your East Sussex about the importance of singing.
“Singing has proved beneficial and rewarding for many, where music memory is often spared the ravages of the brain through dementia. Music replaces what can become a very confusing environment, and provides a distraction from fear and anxiety. It can be seen that….
• Someone who has been silent or less communicative, may begin to talk and become more social
• Some, who have been sad and depressed may start to feel happier
• Someone who has been less mobile may begin to be more physically active
Dementia Support East Sussex is a ‘not for profit’, voluntary initiative, aiming to address the gaps in the existing provision of care for those touched by dementia, and respite for their carers. We provide relaxed, safe, dementia-centred activities, in a social setting, with group singing, stimulating activities, reminisce and friendship-building at its core.
Volunteers also support members with books designed to recall personal histories and experiences, and include stimulating table games. It costs £1 per two hour session, including refreshments.”
