A much-loved singing group, the Seaforde Melodies is celebrating five years of bringing people living with Dementia and their carers together through the joy of music.
Seaforde Melodies has become a valued part of the local community, offering a warm, welcoming space at Seaforde Presbyterian Church Hall, where people can sing, laugh, socialise and make connections with others.
Celebrating its fifth year, the group continues to prove that music can bring people together, spark memories and create moments of happiness.
From Ballykinler, 99-year-old Mary McGivern shared how much she enjoys coming to the weekly sing-a-longs with her daughter Anna-Maria, especially for a much enjoyed cup of tea.
Anna-Maria explained how the pair had been coming along for over a year and how much her Mum enjoys the socialising aspect of the singing sessions.
“It is all very relaxed and Mum enjoys it and I enjoy it. Mum looks forward to her cup of tea, that aspect of socialising and routine. By coming along, it is an opportunity to talk to fellow Carers if you need to and it is nice to see Mum enjoying another bit of her life.
“Neither of us sing, but when we sing as a group it sounds far better!”
South Eastern Trust, Senior Practitioner in Clough and Dundrum GP Surgery, Pauline Kelly explained how the Seaforde Melodies is an experience for the person affected by Dementia and their loved one, friend or family to enjoy singing much loved songs together.
“We are now into our fifth year and I am sure we have supported over 40 plus families through the Melodies.
“It is an absolute joy to see families come into the Church Hall every week and we do have some wonderful characters! Local singer and songwriter, Edelle McMahon leads our sessions every week with her infectious charm and she is fantastic letting those pick their own song that means something to them. A particular song can reconnect you to a happier time again.
“No matter how stressed you feel when you come in, you leave feeling much happier.”
As the harmonious strains of the Tom Jones’ classic, It’s Not Unusual rang out from the Church Hall, Edelle reflected how from their very first session in Murlough House, “It was packed, the people and their carers became an instant community.”
“Everybody was up for the craic, they were ‘up for the cup’ of tea or coffee. Everything just clicked, everyone just gelled.”
Edelle continued, “In our culture in this country, music in particular, is embedded, the power of music is many fold. Singing uses so many parts of the brain, music is just so engaging.
“Singing together really reinforces community bonds and it helps people relax. When someone gets a diagnosis of Dementia, their social life, their social circle can shrink quite significantly.
“By coming to the Seaforde Melodies this is a way to meet people and make friends with people who are facing similar challenges.
“Fingers crossed to the next five years!”
For more information on the Seaforde Melodies contact Senior Practitioner in Clough and Dundrum GP Surgery, Pauline Kelly on (02844) 812 727.