{"id":94200,"date":"2025-02-25T15:09:39","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T15:09:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=94200"},"modified":"2025-02-25T15:24:52","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T15:24:52","slug":"its-like-a-spa-for-the-soul-the-choir-challenging-the-stigma-of-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2025\/02\/25\/its-like-a-spa-for-the-soul-the-choir-challenging-the-stigma-of-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018It\u2019s like a spa for the soul\u2019: The choir challenging the stigma of dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Through the power of song, Forget-me-not Chorus is bringing people together across Wales<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

ON a quiet night in February, it’s easy to feel bogged down by winter gloom but singing Don\u2019t Worry, Be Happy among young and old alike, it is hard not to just be that – happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every Thursday, the Cardiff South Group of Forget-me-not Chorus, a choir for those living with and alongside dementia, rehearses in Elfed Avenue United Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As everyone arrives, people hug and catch up on their week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe sense of community is so important,” said Nicki Rose, one of the music leaders of FMNC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt brings people together at a time when they feel isolated,\u201d said the pianist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The freelance musician has been part of FMNC since it began as a project between Welsh National Opera and the Alzheimer’s Society. Some 14 years later the registered charity is still bringing people together through the power of song, holding free community rehearsals in accessible venues across Wales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Music is the last part of the brain to go\u2019<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

After a warm up of Calypso everyone is raring to go. The singers make their way through Spread a Little Happiness and the toe-tapping Get Me to the Church on Time, without using sheet music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere is nothing to get lost behind,” Nicki said. \u201cMusic is the last part of the brain to go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those living with dementia can still remember the words to songs, which allows them to sing alongside loved ones, said the music leader of the Cardiff South group.<\/p>\n\n\n

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