In May, we took part in Dementia Action Week, a national event where people across the UK take action to improve the lives of those living with Dementia. This year's theme focused attention on the importance of early diagnosis. Did you know 91% of people living with dementia say they would recommend getting a diagnosis as soon as possible?
As part of various events in care and support to mark Dementia Action Week, the Notting Hill Genesis staff choir were invited to sing with members of the Penfold Street extra care choir for people living with dementia.
Choir master Jack Bazalgette has been working with our dementia choir for three years, keeping sessions going online throughout the pandemic, bringing a lifeline of joy and community to some of our most vulnerable residents within the shared unit at Penfold.
We were also treated to a piano performance by one of our residents, Ian, who is living with dementia and was a professional musician. “Playing the piano for the choir made me feel on top of the world!”
Having our staff choir visit was a hugely uplifting experience for everyone, but especially for members of the dementia choir. Carol said: “It was marvellous, I felt so proud to be part of the choir” and Julie said: “It was really nice us all singing together – I really enjoyed it!”
Staff choir member Stacey Annoh-Antwi summed up the general mood: “We had an amazing time visiting Penfold and singing with the choir. Music crosses borders and boundaries and it was beautiful – and emotional – to see music being used to engage with people living with dementia. Jack does a brilliant job with the choir, and we felt so privileged to be a part of it.”