THERAPEUTIC sessions, which aim to support residents living with dementia, will be launching this month in a bid to raise awareness among the community.
The music and memory sessions will take place every month at the Park Pavillion in Harwich from 2pm to 3.30pm.
The initiative, which was unanimously approved by Harwich Town Council, costs around £3,000 and will span over the next three years.
The council has recently been accredited as a dementia friendly organisation and the sessions are one of the ways to support local patients and their loved ones.
Harwich mayor Ivan Henderson said: “We are pleased to have achieved ‘Dementia Friendly’ status and to be able to provide practical support within the local community.
"I’m sure the music and memory sessions will provide a regular, positive experience for all those present and we are delighted to be able to assist in this way."
The therapeutic sessions will be delivered by Clare Leach, who is founder of Harwich Sing Tendring Voices.
They will also be attended by a member of Age Concern’s team who will be available to offer advice and additional support.
Clare said:“I can say with my experience of running Harwich Sing Tendring Voices, that music and singing is wonderful for everyone’s general happiness and bringing people together but seeing firsthand how magical music is to those with dementia and their loved ones is nothing short of incredible.”
The regular meetings can accommodate up to 50 people each month with the first event being held on February 16.
Dale Cheesman of the Harwich Community Association said:“The Community association has great pleasure in being part of the Dementia music therapy classes, a fantastic initiative from Harwich Town Council in funding these classes for three years.
"This will be a great asset for the town and very much needed.”
The council has also encouraged local organisations to get a dementia-friendly status in order to increase awareness and support.
If you would like to become a recognised dementia-friendly community visit https://bit.ly/3gw3AQl
For more information on the Harwich sessions visit harwichtowncouncil.co.uk
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