Cradle Choir is a fun singing group for people living with dementia, providing an opportunity for those living with the disease as well as those in a caring capacity to enjoy each other’s company on a weekly basis. Welsh National Opera launched the first Cradle Choir in Spring 2019. The pilot took place in Swansea, and we have since started a choir in Milford Haven and in October 2022, a new branch will open in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire.
At its heart, Cradle is about caring and compassion, celebrating the possible and enabling a broader understanding about dementia which in turn will help build more tolerant and caring communities to allow those living with the disease to live as fully and creatively as possible for as long as possible.
Community Project Officer Carmarthenshire, Hywel Dda University Health BoardThere is so much talent in Llandeilo and their proactive approach to supporting people living with dementia and their families, has been inspiring. I am so overjoyed to have been able to connect Llandeilo Dementia Friendly Community with Welsh National Opera to bring this brilliant project to this part of Wales.
Vocal Leader David Fortey and pianist Mark Jones will be leading the pilot sessions at Capel Newydd, Llandeilo every Monday between 3 October - 7 November. During these one-hour sessions, members will sing through a great range of popular music as well as folk songs, hymns, and anything else that takes their fancy. Each session starts with some fun warm up activities to get the brain and voice going. There will then be an opportunity for members to get to know each other over a free tea/coffee and biscuits.
David Fortey, Vocal LeaderThe enjoyment that Cradle Choir brings to its members each week is a reflection on how singing can have such a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people living with, or those supporting people living with Dementia. To have the opportunity to expand the Cradle Choir family is incredibly exciting, and we are looking forward to many more wonderful, fun and inspiring singing sessions in Llandeilo.
With approximately 37,000 people living with dementia in Wales, we are committed to working with communities across Wales as widely as resources allow. Cradle Choir allows people living with dementia to stay engaged and interested in their surroundings while providing the opportunity for their carers and loved ones to have fun and relief from the day-to-day challenges.
If you would like more information about Cradle Choir, please contact Jenn Hill on Jennifer.hill@wno.org.uk