Our services Activity groups Music for the Mind 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 Sheldon Road Methodist Church Harnham (Salisbury) Thursday mornings at St George's Hall Lockeridge (Marlborough) Thursday mornings at Kennet Valley Hall Malmesbury Monday afternoons at Riverside Community 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 we check regularly that we comply with national guidelines. Find a Zoom session or music video to watch at homeDownload the Music for the Mind leaflet (please note it's two sided!) Above - David leads us in Mairi's Wedding. The group is smaller and further apart than in the past - but the warmth and heart are still there! Below, warming up at our Chippenham group pre lockdown!