News

Shropshire Music Service’s (SMS) contribution to the ‘This is Shropshire’ arts programme was inspired by the Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Singing for the Brain’ programme, which promotes acceptance, artistic expression and social stimulation for people with dementia. 

Running from September to December 2025, four specially accredited staff, all highly qualified music educators, delivered forty one-hour sessions across four of Coverage Care’s specialist dementia care homes: Montgomery House and Briarfields in Shrewsbury, Greenfields in Whitchurch and New Fairholme in Oswestry. Sessions included up to thirty residents living with dementia (some advanced and others in early stage), their families, and on-site carers. And each fostered a warm, inclusive environment where music became a bridge to connection and joy with singing, sometimes from song sheets but usually from memory, and playing percussion instruments. 

The typical format was:   

• Sing “Hello”           (welcome and warm up) 

• Sing favourites       (from particular decades) 

• Sing and move       (using musical instruments) 

• Sing “Goodbye”     (until the next session) 

As the group leaders monitored the feedback over the ten sessions, t

hey tailored the content to their audience. It was found that ‘triple time’ music, like waltzes, was the most popular and, of course, the Christmas performances were a highlight. 

It was noted that many residents who could be withdrawn or anxious at times appeared more relaxed, animated and confident with familiar songs prompting memories and conversations both during and after the activities. 

As with so many Vibrant Shropshire commissions, the benefits extended beyond the expected. Realising the impact on those in their care, some staff asked if they could be mentored by the SMS professionals in how to continue singing with the residents. It is certainly a model that could be replicated in other care homes in Shropshire. 

Debbie Price, Chief Executive for Coverage Care Service said, “We were delighted to be part of this inspiring initiative. ‘Singing for the Brain’ offered our residents a chance to connect, express themselves and experience joy through music. It’s a beautiful way to support emotional wellbeing and to build community within our homes.”  

Dr Sarah Browne, Head of Service for Shropshire Music Service added “We are delighted that Shropshire Music Service has been able to bring the power of music into Coverage Care Homes.” 

According to NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, the county has seen a 25% increase in residents aged over 65 in the past decade, with over 44% of the population now aged 50 and above — significantly higher than national and regional averages. Dementia diagnoses are expected to rise by 80% between 2017 and 2035, with an estimated 8,000 people currently living with the condition in Shropshire. 

By bringing ‘Singing for the Brain’ to Shropshire’s care homes, Shropshire Music Service has continued its mission to teach music and change lives and is now reaching some of our county’s most vulnerable residents.