Our singing and social groups are based on research that demonstrates that informal group singing improves mood, wellbeing and memory and reduces stress as well as reducing the risk of social isolation and loneliness. You’ve probably also seen in the news over the past few years that there is plenty of research showing that, in the case of dementia, the memories of music and song lyrics are easier to access than other memories.
Currently we have groups running in four locations in South Wales: Cowbridge, Barry, Llantwit Major and Penarth.
We set about designing an informal and relaxed group setting for singing songs together. Current times and locations are as follows:
Wednesdays from 10am-12pm, St Augustine's Parish Hall (Penarth)
Please note that the Penarth group does not run on the second Wednesday of each month.
Thursdays from 10:30am-12:30pm, Margaret Alexander Community Centre (Barry)
Thursdays from 2:15pm-4:15pm, Llantonian Hall (Llantwit Major)
Fridays from 10:30am-12:30pm, Cowbridge Scout Hall (Cowbridge)
Please note that our Bridgend pilot has now come to an end, and is no longer running.
There is no need to pre-book, just turn up! Please check the news section of the website for any dates we are not running groups.
If you would like to discuss anything before your visit, please feel free to contact us on 07500 776295 and we will be happy to help.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I COME TO THE GROUP?
You will be welcomed to the group by a member of staff and your name will be taken for our register. This is to make sure we know how many people are in group each week.
On your first time, there is nothing to pay!
After that, you will be asked to pay £7 per person for the two hour session if you choose to pay-as-you-go and this includes your refreshments. If you intend to come to groups regularly, there are also standing order options which reduce the cost of each group to £5 per person. Please see below for more about the different payment options.
Read more about our payment options
Carers go free, if they are attending with a member.
Seating is provided for everyone and we have at least two members of staff present in each group to assist people to their chairs, if required.
Our sessions are led by our Musical Director, Meryn, who plays the piano and helps us with any parts we are unsure about.
The first hour consists of informal group singing, led by Meryn, and a variety of songs are chosen each week. Some songs are familiar old favourites and sometimes Meryn chooses something we know less well, but the sessions are always relaxed and there is no pressure to learn anything perfectly! Song lyrics are projected onto a screen or wall.
The second hour consists of a variety of social activities. Sometimes this might be a quiz, or a game of indoor bowls (petanque), or we might have a talk from a speaker or just a good old chat. Refreshments are provided by With Music In Mind, which include tea and coffee, fruit, cakes and biscuits. Most dietary requirements can be accommodated, if you let us know in advance.
All our venues have accessible toilets and hand washing facilities.
