A HOME care company has launched a singing group for people living with dementia, as well as their carers.

Home Instead Salisbury and Romsey launched the group alongside ROMDAG (Romsey Dementia Action Group), which runs weekly activities including quizzes, games, puzzles and singing.

The first session was held earlier this month, welcoming local people from the area to come along, enjoy some refreshments and socialise, whilst having a sing song. The session was led by Sarah Hobbs, who frequently sings in the area.

Hampshire Chronicle: The singing group supports people with dementiaThe singing group supports people with dementia (Image: Home Instead Salisbury and Romsey)

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Di Metters, from ROMDAG, said: “The singing group provides a supportive, friendly environment which is uplifting, enjoyable and hugely therapeutic.

“The benefits of singing have long been documented and research shows that singing alters the hormones that boost mood-state and the immune system.

“Singing also reduces stress, which is linked to so many health conditions, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring so much joy to our local community”.

People with dementia often remember songs learnt in childhood long after other parts of their memory have deteriorated.

Jonathan Gapper, managing director of Home Instead Salisbury and Romsey, said: “It’s been 10 years since Romsey was made a dementia-friendly town, so it’s really apt that we have so much planned this year for those in our community with dementia, our singing group being the first these plans.

Hampshire Chronicle: The first session of the singing group was a successThe first session of the singing group was a success (Image: Home Instead Salisbury and Romsey)

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“The first session was a success with lots of lovely singing, it really hit the high notes!”

The weekly activities with ROMDAG take place from 11am to 1pm at various locations across the area.

The singing group is held at Dr Peter Centre, off Alma Road, in Romsey on the second Tuesday of every month. There is a suggested donation of £2.50 per person and refreshments are included.