August 7th, 2010 by Deb Saville

The project at Southern Cross Care is now in Week 8.  Everyone participating is enjoying the mixture of learning, fun, story telling, relaxation, singing, dancing and socialising with new friends. 

Some of the stories collected will appear in the Make A Difference-Sing! book, which is a current ‘work in progress’.

The participants with dementia are surprising us all each week as they retain new songs in their short term memory.  The support workers are surprising us by coming further out of their comfort zone each week, learning the words to the old war time songs and doing whatever it takes to make sure their clients have a good time.  The volunteers continue to assist in a multitude of ways and sing and dance through the morning sessions. 

Other reported benefits, for clients and support workers alike, include; reduced stress, increased friendships, a sense of purpose and increased well-being and happiness.    ”I am always happy when I come here…I feel special and valued…I am not so alone”, are some of the positive comments made by participants.

The group has chosen their name – Sing for Life and there will be an ‘open session’ for familiy, friends and invited guests on 21 Aug at Folley Village in Hilton.

It is a pleasure to be able to bring such pleasure to the group…

and so rewarding to see the joy on everyone’s faces!   Heart-felt thanks to all involved.

August 7th, 2010 by Deb Saville

Born To Sing performed at Fremantle Town Hall on Thursday 5 August in support of Homeless People Week.  It was a very emotional experience – for the audience who said they ‘got goosebumps’, especially to the renditions of the Noongar Welcome Song and Hallelujah – and for the singers too! 

If you would like to help homeless people- please consider buying and donating one of the new design ’swags’ – contact Jackie at St Patrick’s Community Support Centre (9430 4059).