MUSIC and memory sessions aimed at stimulating people with dementia are being held in the district.

Four Memory Clubs for people with dementia and their carers are being held in the North Bradford area by the Memory Tree, a community interest company (not-for-profit) based in Shipley. It is run by Dr Elizabeth Milwain, a psychologist who has worked in the field of dementia for 18 years.

“A Memory Club is designed to support a person with dementia and their carer by providing 45 minutes of café time together, followed by 45 minutes in separate memory support and carer support groups,” said Dr Milwain. “Carer support provides time for those with the caring role to talk honestly to others about the challenges they are facing. Memory support provides reminiscence, music and other activities that are stimulating and enjoyable but not over-stretching for people with dementia. “Most of our carers are spouses, but we also have carers who are friends or neighbours of the person with dementia.” Dementia can be a distressing condition but, said Dr Milwain, a good quality of life can be maintained with support.

“With a dementia diagnosis, what often causes most distress is social isolation. Reminiscence groups bring people together, and allow their voices to be heard,” she says. “Everyday life happens so fast, often they don’t get chance to be heard.”

The sessions also give carers chance to meet up, swap experiences and advice, and build friendships.

“The support they give each other is invaluable, “ said Dr Milwain. “Being a carer can be very lonely. It helps to meet others with similar experiences.”

Earlier this year, the Telegraph & Argus featured a music session at Shipley’s Kirkgate Centre for people with dementia. While their carers enjoyed a cup of tea and a chat, the group took part in singalongs and had a go at various musical instruments.

Five minutes in to the session, there were smiles breaking out on people’s faces as they started to sing, tapping their feet and reaching for memories ignited by the music. Songs such as If You’re Irish, Come Into The Parlour, Danny Boy and Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside prompted memories of childhood and holidays.

People talked about making their own entertainment as children. A singalong of I’ve Got Sixpence sparked a friendly discussion about what people used to buy for a little money. Banging on a drum led one man to share memories of watching marching bands make their way through Thornton when he was a boy.

“Everyone enjoys music, it’s a unifying thing,” said Dr Milwain. “When people sing together they support each other.”

Memory Club sessions are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at St Peter’s Church, Moorhead Lane, Shipley, from 10.30 am to noon; Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Shipley, on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, 10.30 am to 12.15pm; Keighley Shared Church Hall, Market Street, Keighley, on the second and fourth Fridays of each month, 1.45 pm to 3.30pm; and Idle Baptist Church, Bradford Road, Idle, on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, 10.30 am to noon.

l For more about the Memory Tree contact: Elizabeth Milwain on (01274) 583364.