Musical Partnership Brings Hope For Those Living With Dementia In Stamford Bridge Area

Published on by ruthstrangeway

I’m very excited about my latest news!

Next month, in joint partnership with Barchester Healthcare, I’m launching “Music for the Mind” specifically for those living with dementia and their carers. Each session will last for one and a half hours, beginning with a relaxed welcome and refreshments on arrival, a chance to meet like minded people, before the singing starts.

The fortnightly sessions start on Monday 11th September between 1.30 and 3.00pm and will take place in The Terrace Lounge at Stamford Bridge Beaumont Care Home. These fun, informal musical afternoons are designed for people living with dementia and their carers, to help retain skills, build confidence, make new friends and combat loneliness.

 

Dementia is rapidly becoming the health and social care challenge of the 21st century, so I’m really excited to be working in partnership with Barchester Healthcare on this project. I want to encourage those diagnosed with dementia, to come along and sing. It’s so important to have something to look forward to. Music, not only stirs our deepest emotions, but active participation can increase energy and vigour to see us through the most stress-filled life experiences. This group will provide a safe space where you are understood and supported by other people with the same condition. With such peer support, you are not on your own.

Don’t worry whether you can sing or not, everybody’s welcome and you don’t need to read music. It’s all about having fun.

Memories – 10 Years On

Published on by ruthstrangeway

Today brings back memories of 10 years ago when I lost one of my dearest friends. A wonderful musician and singing partner it was you Rich who opened the door to the care home industry and showed me where my voice and music could be put to best use. For that I’m eternally grateful. Gone but never forgotten. Always in my heart xxx

Richard Sykes – a dear friend and wonderful musician

Stamford Bridge – Beaumont Care Home – Care Home Open Day 2017

Published on by ruthstrangeway

On the afternoon of Friday 16th June, music, fun and lots of laughter filled the Terrace Lounge of the  Stamford Bridge – Beaumont Care Home as I entertained staff and residents of the home and a member of the local community as part of the home’s Care Home Open Day 2017 celebrations.

We started the afternoon with a Sing Along session. Everyone was in good voice singing along to “As Time Goes By” from the 1942 film “Casablanca”. Residents at the home sing several times a week and really enjoy their music, which is quite evident.

After some singing we put away our song sheets and focused on having fun with different musical activities and instruments. We ended the afternoon playing our instruments and singing along energetically to “Put Another Nickle In.” Well done everyone I hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as I did!

 

Singing For The Brain

Published on by ruthstrangeway

I was delighted to read this article in the Yorkshire Post online.

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/harrogate-choir-hitting-the-right-note-in-the-fight-against-dementia-1-8593829

What a fantastic resource for dementia patients and their carers. Music enables each one of us to communicate in our own way and this choir offers so much, fun, upliftment, interaction, understanding and above all support. Being part of it means its’ members can feel part of something greater, improving levels of confidence and reducing feelings of isolation. Well done Alison Wrigglesworth and the Alzheimer’s Society.

Care Home Open Day – Friday 16th June

Published on by ruthstrangeway

I’m delighted to be joining forces with their excellent Activity Team and residents at The Beaumont, Stamford Bridge to provide this year’s Care Home Open Day entertainment on Friday 16th June from 1.30pm. Please come along and support them either in the morning for a cup of tea and a chance to chat to residents, or in the afternoon to join in our musical fun. Everyone is welcome.