Music for the Mind

Update: To keep everyone safe during this difficult time, our in-person Music for the Mind groups, where operating, have become either a Movement for the Mind group or focus on arts and crafts activities.

Welcome to Music for the Mind!

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

Music is a powerful connector that helps people with dementia communicate, express feelings and share moments of joy, poignancy and remembrance together with others. It appears to 'unlock' parts of the brain, allowing people to retain song words and melodies longer than other memories, and this is what we build on at our 10 Music for the Mind groups in Wiltshire. 

What happens at Music for the Mind

The 90-minute sessions are carefully structured to be both stimulating and fun. Although well-loved classics are part of the mix, we also learn new songs, sing rhymes and action songs that help physical co-ordination, and tackle harmonies, rounds and partner songs.

We start each weekly session with a half hour of social time and refreshments before moving to the circle for a vocal warm-up. There is a lot of laughter, song suggestions are encouraged and the atmosphere is warm and friendly with everyone taking part in their own way. 

The groups are all are led by professional singing teachers who are trained in dementia awareness and supported by teams of dedicated volunteers. 

They are designed for the person with dementia and a family carer to attend together, although people can also come on their own or with a support worker. The groups are held in local community centres that are easily accessible.

You do not have to be a good singer to take part! Meeting others, creating connections and enjoying each other's company are for many as important as the singing.

Find your group

Click on the name of the group in blue below for more details and to express an interest in coming along. 

Amesbury Monday afternoons. 

Bradford on Avon Monday mornings at Wiltshire Music Centre. 

Chippenham fortnightly on Thursday mornings at King Alfred Hall (new venue)

Harnham (Salisbury) Thursday mornings at St George's Hall

Lockeridge (Marlborough) Thursday mornings at Kennet Valley Hall

Malmesbury Malmesbury Leisure Centre

Mildenhall  Tuesday mornings at Mildenhall Village Hall

Seend Wednesday afternoons at Seend Village Hall

Trowbridge Monday afternoons  at Trowbridge Town Hall (new venue)

Westbury Thursday afternoons at Westbury Leigh Community Hall

Keeping everyone safe

Our groups run with the approval of Public Health England and are exempt from the Rule of Six. Read about how we are keeping everyone safe in our Covid-specific Risk Assessment for Community Groups

Find a Zoom session or music video to watch at home

Download the Music for the Mind leaflet (please note it's two sided!)