Dementia choir aims to hit the right note for all of Mid Argyll

“The Mid Argyll area is a rural area where isolation and loneliness are common. There has been an increase in hospital admissions, and deaths, but a high percentage of the people who have joined the choir see what a positive effect it has.

"The dementia choir offers a safe place for people with dementia and their families to connect, feel human, and experience joy, music and friendship.

“I work closely with Valda Parnaby, the specialist occupational therapist in the NHS enhanced dementia service, and Kerrie Noor, the post diagnostic support link worker, and they are informing me that there is a need to expand and help those being diagnosed with dementia in villages around Argyll.

"Singing together helps stops isolation, loneliness, anxiety, helps bringing people together to rekindle friendships, gives them confidence, brings joy and happiness. It’s amazing to see the members smile and enjoying themselves, singing songs that brings back memories.”

In order to facilitate this expansion, the group has applied for funding to Age Scotland, the Argyll TSI funding platform and the Nadara A’Chruach wind farm community fund.

In addition to aspiring to open choirs in other villages in Mid Argyll, the group would be keen to have a base where it could welcome families and individuals.

Louise explained: “The dream is to open a resource centre, so the communities can get together to sing, chat, laugh and relax while their loved ones know they are safe. Hopefully local companies and new funding platforms will come forward to help us achieve this.”

Louise describes her role in building and supporting the choir as "a complete honour", adding: “I just enjoy helping and giving back to the community. The choir and the issue of dementia are very close to my heart and I am very committed and passionate about raising its profile.”

The choir will be performing at Lochgilphead’s Christ Church winter bazaar on Saturday November 2.

Donations to support the choir’s expansion can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Louisecurtis19