News items from November 2013
Have you ever thought about joining a choir?
We’re very excited to have new funding for a year to form carers’ choirs in two boroughs across the county: Oadby / Wigston and Hinckley / Bosworth.
Leicestershire Carers’ Choirs aim to bring the joy of singing to carers across Leicestershire and it will not matter where you live, as long as you can get to the venues. (Venues to be advised).
Carers would meet for fortnightly choir sessions in the two areas to learn contemporary, upbeat songs in four-part harmony under the leadership of a musical director.
Previous experience of singing in a choir isn’t necessary. You just need to be willing to give it a go.
In addition to developing musicality, the sessions would explore fundamental areas such as breathing technique, vocal hygiene, posture and singing technique.
One of the most important factors is what it does for people's confidence; it lifts people in ways that no other activity can and is a great way of meeting others with similar interests.
Singing is a wonderful way to boost your mood and it has been proven to help you physiologically.
According to TV choirmaster Gareth Malone:
“There are obvious health benefits as well as it being excellent for your state of mind.”
If you’re interested in joining either of the carers choirs, please give us a call on 0845 689 9510.
Do you care for someone with dementia?
The Alzheimer's Society is running a Carer Information and Support Programme - a series of workshops run over four sessions for people caring for a family member or friend with dementia.
The programme will give you an opportunity to talk in a friendly and confidential environment about your experiences and the impact they are having on you.
The workshops aim to provide you with information and support.
Topics will include:
• What is dementia?
• How can you support someone with dementia?
• The support services available
• Planning for the future
Course Dates:
Session 1 - Wednesday 8th January 2014
Session 2 - Wednesday 15th January 2014
Session 3 - Wednesday 22nd January 2014
Session 4 - Wednesday 29th January 2014
All sessions will run from 6pm to 8.30pm
Venue:
Mosaic
2 Oak Spinney Park
Ratby Lane
Leicester Forest East
LE3 3AW
Who will be there?
The workshops will be run by Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers - for people who care for a family member or friend with dementia.
To find out more or to book a place call: 0116 231 1111 or email [email protected]
Carers Event - 23rd November, Hinckley
Carers and cared for are welcome at a Carers Event being held on Saturday 23rd November from 10am to 12 noon at The Mary Forryan Centre, St Peter's Church, Hinckley. The event will include free tea and coffee, homemade cakes, information stalls and stress relieving workshops. Staff from Leicestershire County Council will also be on hand to answer your Personal Budget questions.
Dementia Awareness Event - 11 December
Dementia Friends are holding a free Dementia Awareness Event on Wednesday 11 December from 2pm to 4pm in the Youth Wing of the Methodist Church on Northampton Road in Market Harborough, LE16 9HE.
Anyone is welcome to go along to the event which will include Laughter Yoga and an introduction to the Memory Lane reminiscence project, run by the charity behind Support for Carers, Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL).
Dementia Friends is an initiative by the Alzheimer’s Society. Dementia Friends Champions run information sessions to help you understand what it’s like to live with dementia and the actions you can take. Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend and you don’t need any previous experience or knowledge of dementia.
To find out more and to book your free place at the event please get in touch with Rachel Burley (Memory Advisor) on 0116 231 6921 or Alison Chaplin (Volunteering Officer) on 0116 231 6922 or visit the Dementia Friends website www.dementiafriends.org.uk
