An Edinburgh choir made up of those living or supporting loved one with dementia has released a charity Christmas single.
‘Christmas (like it was before)’ has been released by Capital Theatres, with all proceeds set to go to funding similar projects in the theatre’s dementia friendly programme.
Choir members worked with singer-songwriter Gus Harrower to put the tune together, which looks at what they love about the festive period, but also what they miss from years gone by.
Ian Laurence, whose late wife had dementia, told STV News of hearing the song he and the others helped create said:
He said:“It’s a strange feeling because we don’t normally experience that and you say ‘god we completed that, we done that’.
“We created something quite fantastic really.
“I don’t know what it sounds like but to us it sounds good.”
STV NewsCapital Theatres offers a range of dementia friendly activity all year round, including accessible performances, in-house produced DementiArts Magazine and regular free participatory events such as a monthly rock and roll tea party Tea and Jam and Comfy Ceilidh.
That offers live music, poetry and seated ceilidh dancing.
These are the sorts of experiences Elaine Bell, another one of the loyal choir members, wishes more people could experience.
She said: “We have people from care homes come and they might look a bit glum.
“When Gus starts to play they’re up there dancing, boogying and really enjoying it.”
Harrower is a pianist, guitarist, bassist and vocalist, as well as a creative engagement coordinator at Capital Theatres.
He sees first hand the impact music can have on those living with dementia.
Gus said: “The aspect of reminiscence is really important.
“It’s so nice for people to be able to share these stories with other people who have similar experiences.
“And especially back then they’ve got similar experiences, but even now living with dementia or being a friend or carer or loved one knowing somebody living with dementia.”
STV NewsAlex Howard, a Capital Theatres creative projects coordinator says the impact of the choir and other events put on by the programme is massive:
“Music famously is very helpful for people living with dementia,” he said.
“We’ve had people who are pretty much non-verbal coming along singing and speaking for the first time.
“Carers tell us quite often this is the first time this person has spoken.”
Christmas (Like it Was Before) is available for download on platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, and physical copies of the EP will be distributed in the January issue of the programme’s DementiArts Magazine.
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