I am Helen and along with my friends Nicky, Stuart. Emma and Dave we all belong to a voluntary, not for profit organisation called “Forever Singing’. I am asking you to support us in our new project of launching the Forever

Singing Memory Choir, for the Basingstoke Area.

We have all been affected by a family member or friend who has been on their dementia journey.

There are currently estimated to be 982,000 people with dementia in the UK, but more than a third of people with the

condition do not have a diagnosis. The number is expected to rise to 1.4

million by 2040, ref: Alzheimer’s Society, 2024. Most of us already know someone affected by dementia. Dementia and associated cognitive and

neurological challenges (e.g. Parkinson’s, stroke, vulnerability due to age-related challenges etc) can be devastating for the person and those around them but a growing body of evidence shows that music, and

singing in particular, can be a positive and transformative tool in managing the condition. Some people will have seen the series led by Vicky McClure,

Our Dementia Choir, which highlighted the incredible part that singing can play in the lives of those families impacted by dementia.

For the last 2 years we have been volunteers at Viables Community Centre leading informal singalong and dance sessions with the members

of their Memory Club. We have found that these sessions have helped to reduce stress and anxiety and increase the energy levels in the group members as well as being an effective reminiscence experience which can facilitate communication. Music and singing also provides excellent cognitive stimulation therapy and we have witnessed first hand the incredible experience of seeing and hearing people who have been

completely withdrawn and no longer speaking begin to sing, smile and take part - it is both humbling and uplifting.

In September 2025 we will start a new project called 'Forever Singing Memory Choir' in Basingstoke to enable people with cognitive and neurological conditions, (Dementia, Parkinsons or strokes), their families and carers, or any who are feeling isolated by their or someone else’s health condition, to take part in a choir. This will be a relaxed and fun

activity with no pressure, no expectation, no music to look after or organise and supported by people, including carers, family and friends

who would also take part.

It is an inclusive activity for people of any age, vulnerability or life experience. Singing is sociable, fun and promotes

a strong feeling of well-being. We are confident that singing together will provide a real moment of joy for everyone who takes part - everyone will

leave with a smile on their face!

Initially we will run the choir fortnightly allowing time for refreshments and a chat – we all know that in our own choirs, the time for socialising is very important! We may increase this to weekly sessions if the necessary funding can be gained We are currently seeking to raise £1,000 to help enable the project to run for the first year. No-one involved in running the choir will be paid, it will be completely volunteer led. We are loaning some of our personal equipment in the short term to keep costs down and are seeking funding to enable the current sessions to continue and the choir to be set up and run.

Major costs include premises hire, music, (including the necessary licences to be able to perform), insurances, publicity, percussion instruments, and refreshments.

If you feel you would like to contribute towards this exciting new project in Basingstoke & Deane, please donate to our organisation. You can find out

more information through our website. Forever Singing Memory Choir website

Singing together is a proven and cost-effective tool to improve the lives of

people living with dementia and other cognitive and neurological conditions and can make caring easier. Singing can bring real joy in a shared experience for people living with life challenges which will impact most of us directly or indirectly through our lives. Please support us in helping

those living with these conditions and their carers lead happier and healthier lives