Dementia charity gets a taste of café culture

Lost Chord, which is based in Maltby in Rotherham, provides interactive musical sessions for people living with dementia in care homes and day centres across the region.

Now, its concert programme has been extended into five Alzheimer’s Society Cafés in Rotherham and Doncaster.

The cafés are attended by people with dementia and their carers.

Throughout the autumn, Lost Chord musical events – all featuring the charity’s team of professional musicians – will be held at dementia cafés at Davies Court in Dinnington, Cantley Community Centre in Doncaster, the Ivanhoe Centre in Conisbrough, the Montgomery Hall Memorial in Rotherham and the Wesley Centre in Matlby.

Lost Chord chief executive Helena Muller said: “This programme of events is part of an ongoing programme for Lost Chord in association with the Alzheimer’s Society.

“These sessions are important because they are open not only to people living with dementia but also to their carers ,so it’s a great opportunity for people to come along and meet other people in similar circumstances and also find advice and support from the Alzheimer’s Society.

“With the involvement in singing and dancing, the carers often see glimpses of the partner they once knew, and that is so rewarding to see.

“They can come together and enjoy an age appropriate activity in a very relaxed and friendly environment.”

She added: “We also like to think that these sessions are promoting a dementia-friendly society because, instead of hiding the issue away, we are bringing it into the heart of the community where it belongs, helping to reduce the stigma and social isolation often experienced by people with dementia.”

To find out more about Lost Chord, visit www.lost-chord.org.uk or call 01709 811160.