Somerset singing group for people with dementia could close

"It creates joy," one of the group leaders said

A singing group for people with dementia is under threat of shutting.

Singing for the Brain is run by Somerset Arts Well in Wells and Glastonbury but faces the possibility of running out of money in April.

Ellie White's dad, Garry White, 69, was diagnosed with dementia five years ago, and attends the sessions regularly. She said they are "pivotal" for her family.

"He's always been a bit of a joker and he has such a life about him," Ms White said.

"That's when we get our old dad back."

Gary worked for the Wells fire service for more than 25 years.

"Every day is a struggle, however, I cannot tell you the amount of joy he has when he walks into these sessions," Ms White said.

She has now started a Go Fund Me campaign with a goal of raising £2,000 for the group, after it had to be reduced to run every other week.

Ellie White said her dad is "his old self again" when he attends the singing sessions

She said she is worried the group might stop completely in April.

Emma Wheat, who runs the sessions, said the group normally relies on her applying for funding herself.

This year, she was not able to secure enough money to keep the group running and she did not want to raise the £5 fee people already pay per session.

She added that they see up to 40 people each week.

"What it seems to do is create joy," she said. "It creates an incredible connection that brings people together.

"People come in with memory loss, they might not be able to remember what they had for breakfast.

"But they can retain songs week on week. It's incredible to watch."