Coronavirus: Dementia friendly choir connecting online for rehearsals

The choir normally meets once a week at The Music Yard in Larne, under the expert tutelage of Thomas and Angela Hamilton, but due to the current coronavirus outbreak and the need for social distancing, that has not been possible.

This vulnerable group will be required to follow public health guidance by self-isolating for a minimum of 12 weeks.

This will be incredibly difficult for those living with a dementia diagnosis and their family and carers.

Now, more than ever, in these uncertain times, it is crucial that the choir have continuity and feel supported and connected.

Thanks to the emergency community funding stream being administered by the council, technology ensures the choir continues to hit the right notes.

This intervention allows the choir to connect again – albeit virtually.

‘This is Me’ is so much more than a choir, real friendships have been formed and carers can reach out to other carers.

Ald Gerardine Mulvenna, council’s Dementia Friendly Champion and founder of the choir, said members were delighted to receive new ‘Mini Portals’ to allow them to join in the practices online.

The Alliance representative said: “Quite a lot of the members were in tears when I delivered their new portals to them at their homes, whilst observing social distancing guidance.

“They were just so grateful and I really want to give praise to council officer, Mary O’Boyle, for her wonderful guidance in helping us with the grant application process. We couldn’t have done this without her invaluable support.

“I want to thank Thomas and Angela Hamilton, too, for their sheer dedication and commitment to the choir. To see people come alive when they sing, and to hear the laughter and the joy when the choir held their first virtual practice was just amazing!

“Living with dementia at any time is incredibly challenging, and many people will struggle to understand why all of a sudden their lives have changed. Whilst self-isolation and social distancing is crucial at this time for the choir members to keep themselves and their families’ safe, this can result in loneliness and frustration. For this reason, it is important we keep connecting and stay in touch with each other in a positive way.

“People living with dementia need stimulation and structure, so it’s great that they can still join in the practices even though they aren’t able to leave their homes.

“Being socially isolated is also very tough for the carers, but I set up a WhatsApp group where we can all connect and share what we are doing from day to day. The choir is currently learning the Dame Vera Lynn song, ‘We’ll Meet Again’, which is very apt for the times we are living through.

“I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of the community in recent weeks, and it is so heartening to see people at their best despite these difficult times.”

More information about the council’s Covid-19 Community Support Grant Scheme can be found at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/covid-19/grant

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