Lost Chord UK extends bereavement support project 'Choir of Hope' into autumn

Lost Chord UK, based in Maltby, provides interactive musical experiences for people living with dementia in care homes and day centres across the region and nationally.

The Choir of Hope was the charity’s latest project aimed at extending Lost Chord UK’s services into the community.

It was the brainchild of Sally Glennon, a Lost Chord professional musician and trustee, who lost her father earlier this year.

Knowing the therapeutic value of music, she approached the charity’s chief executive Clare Langan with a programme aimed specifically at people who have experienced bereavement.

The ten hour-long sessions were held earlier this year and presented by Sally and fellow Lost Chord UK musicians Luke Carver Goss, Gary Hammond and Anne-Marie Wilcock.

The sessions gave people the chance to come together to write, learn and share songs, make new friends and build a support network.

And the season came to a climax as the Choir of Hope shared the stage with Britain's Got Talent winner, musician, comedian and Lost Chord UK patron Jon Courtney for a Concert of Thanksgiving at St Gerard’s Church in Thrybergh in May.

The new series of sessions will begin again at the church in Thrybergh on Wednesday, September 13, culminating in a second Concert of Thanksgiving on Wednesday, December 6 at 7pm, attended by the Mayor of Rotherham.

Chief Executive Clare said: “One of the things we have realised over the past couple of years is that, while care home and day care sessions are central to everything we do, there are many more people living with dementia in the wider community who could also benefit from the work that we are doing.

“The Choir of Hope is one of several exciting new platforms that will give more people than ever the chance to be touched by the power of great music.

“The fact that the first series of sessions proved so popular tells us that the need for our outstanding professional musicians is greater than ever.”