A SINGING group were looking to raise the roof as they celebrated their first birthday.
The Singing For The Brain sessions were set up by The Alzheimer’s Society in Kirklees last year to provide a sociable setting to enjoy the health benefits of singing.
And the group gathered to show of their new-found talents at Huddersfield’s Methodist Mission and invited family and friends to join them.
Alison Bradbury, of Kirklees Alzheimer’s Society said: “The sessions have been really popular and in fact two months ago we launched a third one, specifically in the afternoon to allow more flexibility for people to attend.
“The sessions are really a hobby and a way of encouraging interaction for dementia sufferers and their friends and family.
“There is always a great atmosphere and yesterday’s was even better bringing everyone together in one place.
“We started off with a cup of tea, then sang a number of summer songs, had a dance to New York! New York, more songs and ended with a piece of cake.”
Many of the group’s attendees recently pounded the pavements in Greenhead Park for a Walk and Sing during Dementia Awareness Week.
Alison added: “Again this was fantastic to see. We sang songs which everyone knows while we were walking and this culminated in the band stand. We then went in the community room and ended with some more singing.”
Benefits can include giving dementia sufferers a focus and as an aid to unlocking communication in the brain.
The sessions in Kirklees, which are funded by Kirklees Council, are as follows:
Two sessions are run at Huddersfield Mission, Lord Street on the second and fourth Friday of the month from 10.30am to 12.30pm and the first and third Wednesday of the month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
There is also a session at Dewsbury Minster on the first and third Fridays from 10.30am-12.30pm.
All sessions cost £2 and prior to attending please call Janette Battye on 01484 42865 or 07540921280 for an informal chat.
