Our next thank you comes from Alzheimer’s Society! They want to give a huge thank you to their ‘Singing for the Brain’ group volunteers!
This Volunteers’ Week, we are delighted to celebrate and thank the incredible volunteers who make our Singing for the Brain groups in Milton Keynes such a special place.
As we recently marked the 12th anniversary of our Milton Keynes Singing for the Brain service, it felt like the perfect opportunity to recognise the people at the heart of its success. Since the group began, our volunteers have dedicated countless hours to supporting people living with dementia and their carers, helping to create a welcoming, inclusive and joyful community.
Originally launched as a single session, Singing for the Brain has grown significantly over the past twelve years. We now run two popular groups every Monday and an additional Thursday session, providing even more opportunities for people affected by dementia to connect, sing and support one another.
While singing plays an important role in promoting cognitive and physical stimulation, the groups offer so much more. They provide friendship, understanding, emotional support and a sense of belonging.
One attendee shared:
“I look forward to coming. We have made friends and being together is what it is all about. We all understand each other, you see. I know my other half enjoys coming too, so we come together. He gets to meet other carers which I know helps him.”
Another carer told us:
“My mum had the best time. She couldn’t stop smiling! We can’t wait for next time.”
These experiences are made possible thanks to our dedicated volunteers, whose kindness, enthusiasm and commitment help create the warm atmosphere that our members value so highly.
The Beating Heart of Our Groups
Our volunteers are the beating heart of our organisation. Their support enables us to continue delivering meaningful activities and creating positive experiences for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
One volunteer explained why they give their time:
“I’m a firm believer in the work of the Alzheimer’s Society because I understand the reality of being a carer. I’ve faced those day-to-day hurdles myself, and I know how much a bit of external support can change a person’s outlook. It’s great to meet such resilient people and seeing both carers and those with dementia respond so positively to our help makes every hour I spend volunteering feel truly valuable.”
From welcoming attendees and supporting activities to providing information and raising awareness within the wider community, every volunteer plays an important role.
Special thanks go to Ruth and Tracy, who lead every Singing for the Brain session with passion and energy, bringing songs to life through stories about their origins and artists.
As they explain:
“We see the difference that Singing for the Brain makes to many people; those who come in withdrawn can often transform and come alive with a song.”
Celebrating Our Volunteers
This Volunteers’ Week, we would like to recognise all of the wonderful individuals who support our work, including the volunteers from our Monday morning Singing for the Brain group, our Peer Support Group volunteers, and our awareness-raising volunteers who help share information throughout the community, including at Milton Keynes University Hospital.
We would also like to offer a special thank you to Pete, who is retiring from his volunteering role after supporting Singing for the Brain since the very beginning. A constant presence and a valued member of the team, Pete has been the backbone of our sessions for many years. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy and will be greatly missed by volunteers and attendees alike.
Thank You
To every volunteer who gives their time, energy and compassion to support people affected by dementia: thank you.
Your commitment has helped create a place where friendships flourish, confidence grows and people feel understood and supported. The difference you make extends far beyond our sessions, positively impacting the lives of many people living with dementia and their carers.
We are incredibly grateful for your dedication and passion. We simply could not do this important work without you.
Happy Volunteers’ Week, and thank you for everything you do!
