IN A church in Monmouthshire a group of people chatter over tea sharing news from the week.

They then start to move into the church and sit on chairs in a circle. What you first notice about them are the smiles and warm welcome they give everyone. Then you notice the different ages and backgrounds of the gathered people.

The group meet at Chepstow Methodist Church for a weekly singing session for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. People are invited to come along for free and enjoy the workshop with their relatives or carers.

Some have come with their spouses, some are parent and child while others have come from a care home with carers. Everyone is welcome, whether they are music maestros or novices.

The group starts with a song where everyone says hello to each other. Name badges are worn so remembering names does not become an issue.

There are memory games and songs with actions, all aimed at getting people moving and improving the memory.

Sharon Brewer led the session and has been involved since it was established by Suzy Webster.

“It’s a group that’s aimed at having fun and adding some fun to the day,” she said. “I have been working in dementia care for 18 years and I have notice that people tend to lose a bit of independence and people do things for them, but in this group there is no differentiation made between who is the carer and who is being cared for.

“It’s just about having a good time together and having a laugh and a joke and just to be together. We average between 25 and 30 people and we meet every Wednesday.

“I think people get a lot from the group.

“The one thing that never seems to go are the words of a familiar song. Even those who are struggling with daily life and simple tasks or conversation, as soon as they hear a familiar song they sing and join in just like everyone else.

“It’s very therapeutic and it’s very beneficial because of the action of singing – you are filling your lungs and deep breathing so you are relaxing.

“We do memory games which is part of the fun, and often we mess up more than anyone else.”

Volunteer Mair Liddell added: “I just love it. They are all so special and they are all so different. There is nothing ridged, and if someone comes in late then we don’t mind.”

Maryanne Hawes and her mother Anne Newell are both from Chepstow and have been coming to the group for three years.

Ms Hawes said: “We have been coming for nearly three years and it’s the highlight of the week. We have a lot of laughs and there is a lot of friendship and companionship.

“Nobody minds if you get a word wrong or you don’t make the note, you never feel judged. When we first started we didn’t think we’d be able to remember the songs, and now we know them and we find ourselves singing in the car.

“It’s for both of us. It’s not me bringing mum and it’s not mum bringing me, we both come together. If one of us are away we will come anyway. It does feel like an extended family.”

Her mother added: “It’s such fun and really lovely. Everybody smiles and it is like an extended family.”

For more information call about the weekly singing sessions contact 01291 627014.