Online Rehearsals for Dementia Friendly Choir

"This is Me' dementia-friendly choir uses online technology to stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic

10:21 28 April 2020

A dementia-friendly choir that usually meets once a week now stays connected using online technology amidst the coronavirus pandemic. 

 

This is Me choir members were forced to stop from going to The Music Yard in Larne to practice every week due to the need for social distancing. Each member is also following public health guidance by self-isolating for a minimum of 12 weeks. 

 

To address the group's need to feel supported and connected during this trying time, the local council has administered an emergency community funding stream to ensure that the choir has means to get together on a weekly basis. 

 

Ald Gerardine Mulvenna, council's Dementia Friendly Champion and founder of the choir, said: "Quite a lot of the members were in tears when I delivered their new portals to them at their homes, whilst observing social distancing guidance.

 

"They were just so grateful and I really want to give praise to council officer, Mary O'Boyle for her wonderful guidance in helping us with the grant application process. We couldn't have done this without her invaluable support.

 

"I want to thank Thomas and Angela Hamilton, too, for their sheer dedication and commitment to the choir. To see people come alive when they sing, and to hear the laughter and the joy when the choir held their first virtual practice was just amazing."