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Guernsey holds first dementia-friendly carol service

Guernsey holds first dementia-friendly carol service

Sunday 22 December 2019

Guernsey holds first dementia-friendly carol service

Sunday 22 December 2019


Local organisations have joined together to offer Guernsey's first dementia friendly carol service this afternoon.

The service has been organised by Dementia Friendly Guernsey along with St Saviour's Church and the Singing From the Heart Community Choir.

Although it is open to everyone, it aims to be particularity welcoming for people with dementia and their families.

"The service offers those living with dementia an opportunity to reminisce by singing carols and going to church," explained the charity's Coordinator, Julie Bulpitt. "The power of music, especially singing, can unlock memories and can reach parts of the brain that other forms of communication may not.

"It may also have an effect on families and carers who can share the experience and create new memories."

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The service will begin at 14:00 at St Saviour's Church and will last around half an hour, with  time afterwards to mingle.

The church will be festively decorated, and hot drinks and mince pies will be served to the guests in their seats.

"By holding the service during daylight, it will be more enjoyable for those who may be less confident going out in the dark and offers a feeling of belonging," Ms Bulpitt continued.

"There will be good accessibility for wheelchair users along with large print service sheets."

The Singing from the Heart Community Choir will support the singers, as well as signing a song themselves.

"Christmas is a special time of the year and we want to do all we can to make the celebration of Jesus' birth accessible and relevant to those with dementia, their families and carers," added Rector of St Saviour's Church, Revd Mark Charmley.

"We look forward to welcoming anyone who wants to come to join us for this service."

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