A Wexford man has released a compilation of songs entitled ‘Lets Sing Together’…
Wexford man Brian Toomey, who came up with the idea, has released the compilation of songs which are now available to view and listen to on the South East Community Healthcare YouTube Channel.
It was developed in partnership with input from Age Friendly Alliances, Older Persons Councils, and Dementia Café representatives and funded with thanks from National HWB and the Age Friendly Alliance.
Aged 76, Brian regularly visits day care centres and nursing homes to play music to the residents. It’s something that he has been doing for over thirteen years now.
“I have lived in Bunclody for 20 years and from the start I was very much involved with the local Active Retired Association. I have represented ARA at Local, Regional and National levels. During that time I sang and entertained in my local Day-care Centre and from that I developed a great interest in older persons and Alzheimer’s/Dementia. As I had been singing for a long time, my research told me that music was of the greatest benefit to people with Alzheimer’s/Dementia and that is what led me to Nursing Homes,” he said.
For Brian, the best thing about it is simply the bonds and friendships that he can create. Friendships that may not have been otherwise possible.
“The best part of what I do is the welcome that you receive when you show up for a music session from residents and staff alike. You get to form friendships with people that may not have too many visitors or family. The fun is mighty,” Brian told us.
There’s no doubt that Brian is community driven. The aim of the project is to help people in his community and beyond it. He is active in his local community and he would encourage anyone to get involved in community projects that they have a passion for.
“I would encourage people to get involved in their community. My music partner and friend on this Project is Greg Donaghy, also a musician and entertainer, and he is very involved in the Local Bunclody Soccer Club. I ran a pilot project which made Bunclody a Dementia friendly Town. Bunclody is a great town for Community involvement,” he said.
The project itself is a really well put-together piece too. It’s clear that no short-cuts were taken in its production. Not only has it a compilation of sing-along songs, but it is accompanied by excellent graphics and animations that catch the eye.
“Greg Donaghy and I put together a compilation of old songs that we love and know so well to music. Then, we teamed up Becky Hatchett to add in animation and put in motion graphics by George Roberts so that services can use Let’s Sing Together in Dementia Café’s, Nursing Homes, Disability and Mental Health Facilities to sing and move along to the music,” he said.
In his simple message, he hopes that the music and the creation can “bring joy to you, your friends, family and caregivers.”
It can be easily accessed on the HSE YouTube link below.
Jason Redmond
From Gorey, Jason is the owner of Wexford Weekly. He is also a post-primary English and History teacher.