The Dubbo community has embraced a new choir aimed at people with dementia and their carers thanks to a Catholic Healthcare initiative supported by related government and industry sponsors.
The Sing Out Choir is an initiative of Lourdes Hospital dementia counsellor Anne Gemmell, designed as a specialised interactive music therapy program that will benefit the whole Dubbo community.
“My desire has been to establish a community choir that embraces those impacted with dementia and creates a sense of belonging,” says Anne. Carers, family, friends and volunteer singers and musicians re all welcome in this all-inclusive program.
“Music and song are medicine for the brain, and studies have shown that they ignite a part of the brain not impacted by dementia,” explains Anne. “We are already seeing changes in moods of attendees and seeing big smiles on faces.”.
Anne says of the free program: “We started with a relatively small group, but now that the word is out about how positive the experience is for our dementia clients, we saw more than 50 attend last Tuesday’s session.”
The Sing Out Choir is about having fun, enjoying the company of others, ensuring people feel relaxed and that they feel a part of a local community.
“We’re already planning for our Christmas concert and sessions for next year and beyond.”
To join the choir or find out more about Catholic Healthcare dementia services in Dubbo and Western NSW, please call 02 6881 3704 or email agemmell@chcs.com.au.
