More volunteers being sought to hit the right note for dementia patients

More volunteers are being sought to sing alongside patients with dementia at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, helping to reduce their stress and anxiety and increase energy levels.

Singers Terry Field, Patricia Freeston and Lauren McEwan

At the RUH, volunteers with the Friendly Faces project, funded by the Forever Friends Appeal, lead the singing sessions on Cheselden ward and Combe ward.

Terry Field, Patricia Freeston, Lauren McEwan and Sally Campbell deliver a range of classic sing-along songs for patients, such as Bring Me Sunshine, Oh What a Beautiful Morning, Edelweiss and All Things Bright and Beautiful.

Tracy Williams, the Alzheimer’s Society’s Volunteer Coordinator at the RUH, said: “Singing with patients gives them an opportunity to be expressive and can evoke memories and emotions.

“Above all though, it’s fun and lifts the spirits, and we often find visitors and relatives will join in too.

“We’re extremely thankful for our volunteers who give up their time to sing on the wards – but we need more volunteers to come forward as we need a bigger singing team to call upon.

“We’re looking for people who can spare a couple of hours on a regular basis. And don’t worry, you don’t need to be able to hold a tune – enthusiasm is all we are looking for!”

The RUH says it is committed to becoming an even more dementia-friendly hospital.

Around 75% of their patients are over 65 and of that patient group, around 30% are living with dementia – but may be in hospital for other treatment.

To volunteer to be part of the singing team contact Tracy Williams on 07702 108994 or email [email protected].