Community sings with new free live music sessions in Rotherham neighbourhood
Lost Chord UK is bringing its live interactive music to Kilnhurst with a new series of free monthly Friday afternoon sessions at Kilnhurst Social Club.
Open to local residents all ages and all backgrounds, Songs and Socials will bring people together for live music, singing and plenty of chances to join in, led by Lost Chord UK’s professional musicians.
The free live music sessions are neuro inclusive and are especially valuable for people living with dementia or other neurological conditions, their families and carers, giving them a regular opportunity, to meet others and enjoy something together.
And whether people love to sing, enjoy listening or simply want to share the live music, everyone is welcome at the monthly Friday afternoon sessions made possible by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, local councillors and community support.
Lost Chord UK is the Maltby-founded national charity that supports people living with dementia and neurological conditions and those that care for them in communities, care settings and at the end of life, bringing professional musicianship and live interactive music to people and families when it matters most.
“Everyone can join in at their own pace, share the music and enjoy being together,” said Lost Chord UK Chief Executive Jean Collingwood.
You don't need to be a singer or know any particular songs - just come along and enjoy yourself.
“The new sessions have been made possible through a wonderful coming together of local enthusiasm and support.
“Councillor Lewis Mills has been steadfast in championing the idea and helping turn it into reality, with valuable assistance from Pat Barnett and Nicole Mighali, who have helped bring people together and move things forward.
“Lost Chord UK is hugely grateful to Councillors Nigel Harper and Victoria Cusworth, Kilnhurst and Swinton East Ward councillors, who together have backed the initiative and generously committed funding from their budgets to help bring these free sessions to the village.
“Their support represents a valuable investment in local people, recognising the importance of bringing people who are often isolated people with multiple health challenges in communities together, creating solid accessible opportunities to meet and socialise and learn new skills with others, places where friendships can develop over time.
“The new sessions have grown from a real commitment to bringing something meaningful to Kilnhurst.
“We would also like to thank everyone at Kilnhurst Social Club for welcoming the sessions into the venue and helping provide a home for this new community activity.
"Music is universally understood, easily accessible, something we have in common, something we can all do together and enjoy and has an extraordinary way of bringing people back into the heart of things.
“We've seen people who have become isolated, or whose worlds have become smaller through dementia, illness or caring responsibilities, reconnect - come alive through music.
“Suddenly there's singing, laughter, conversation and a real sense of being part of something with others.
“Before you know it, local people look out for each other, feel better about life and stronger support networks grow, people feel stronger more able to cope.
The charity is now inviting local people to put their names down ahead of the Songs and socials at Kilnhurst launch.
To register interest, simply email [email protected] or send Lost Chord UK a message through its Facebook page.