THE power of music to make a difference for people in the early stages of dementia has inspired a series of workshops in Bournemouth.

Arts 4 Dementia, which is organising the events, says music can be of huge value to people with the condition.

A series of eight choir and organ workshops under the title Reawakening begins on Tuesday, February 14, 11am-1pm, at St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth town centre. People with mild memory loss and their companions are welcome.

The events will be led by Gemma Dixon, who is a soprano with Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, and organist Timothy Rice.

Participants will sing works by Sir Hubert Parry who was baptised in the church, and pieces celebrating its stained glass.

Veronica Franklin Gould, director of Reawakening - Living Well with Dementia in Dorset 2017, said: “A programme like this can make a real difference to both the person with dementia and their carer.”

She said 94 per cent of people who came to previous workshops showed signs of improvement overnight. In 80 per cent of cases, improvements were still evident after three days, and in 60 per cent they persisted after a week.

Soprano Gemma Dixon responded to an ad for a singer to lead sessions. She had a personal interest in the effect that participation in music can have on people with dementia.

“I’m very interested in the neuroscience and the power of music,” she said.

“I’ve seen first hand the power of music and what it can do for wellbeing, especially in a group setting.”

The Rev Ian Terry, team rector of Bournemouth town centre, said: “I’m keen to encourage people with early symptoms of dementia to experience the marvellous music associated with our church.”

Veronica Franklin Gould added: “Time and again, we see that the risk of developing dementia can be lowered and its progress slowed by taking part in painting, singing, dancing and others arts activities.”

Arts 4 Dementia also plans early stages awareness training for arts programmes at Arts University Bournemouth on Saturday, March 4, and at Digby Memorial Church, Sherborne, on Wednesday, March 29.

A festival of art events for people living with dementia will include music at St Peter’s on Tuesday, May 16, 11am-4pm; drama at Arts University Bournemouth, also on May 16, 2-4pm; music therapy for young people with dementia on May 17 at Coda Music Centre; a NADFAS lecture at Dorset county Museum, may 18, 2-4pm; and dance at Pavilion Dance South West in Bournemouth, May 19, 10-11.30am.

For information and to register, call Maureen La Frenais on 01202 718914 or 07941 266191 or Veronica on 07713 636381, or email maureen@arts4dementia.org.uk or veronica@arts4dementia.org.uk