Mission through memory

6 May 2023

‘Singing By Heart’ uses a mixture of secular and religious songs which span the decades. Every song within the resource is introduced by a relevant scripture verse and concluded with a prayer. The sessions are designed to encourage communication, recollection of memories, and fun for those taking part. It is also hoped carers will find the sessions beneficial through enabling time for them to relax, make friends and share experiences. Lyn Woods explores how this UK-based program is striking the righ note.

Did you know that there are almost 100 'Singing by Heart' Groups across the UK territory who use it to enhance their community outreach? Outreach Mission Partner Dan Elson (Music and Creative Arts) says the initiative - which was developed in collaboration beween the Older People's Ministries and Music and Creative Arts teams - is a way to engage in worship and that prayers and Scripture are as integral to the programme as the singing.

Volume 2 of the music resources - which was released last September, comprises a mixture of secular and religious songs, each introduced by a relevant Scripture verse and concluded with a prayer.

Although Singing by hear is dementia-friendly, it is not limited to use with people living with dementia. Sessions are designed to encourage communication, recollection of memories and fun for all taking part. It is also hoped that friends, relatives and caregivers will find the sessions beneficial as a time to relax, make friends and share experiences.

WILLENHALL

Territorial Envoy Lee Highton-Nicholls holds monthly singing by Hear sessions at the corps and at tow local care homes with attendances averaging between 18 and 25 people. In the care homes, corps folk sit alongside the residents to encourage them to join in. TE Lee accompanies the group on piano and has recently had the husband of a new church member volunteer to play drums, which adds another dimention and gives the gentleman his own place to serve and support. The group play a couple of games to promote gentle movement and use musical instruments. There's tea and cake and those who coma along to support enjoy a time of fellowship.

TE Lee says: 'It has been great to see how new people who came to help have grown in confidence and now enjoy it as much as the participants. All who attend leave with a smile and comment of the fact that the laughter and fun have done them food.'

'We get referrals from our local GP surgery since registering with the social prescribing team. our local dementia team have shown an interest and we have a police community support officer who thoroughly enjoys coming alond and supportin the sessions. A nearby supermarket has sponsored the sessions and provides us with refreshments, and the community champion is always in attendance to make tea and coffee.'

'The format never changes, so it takes little if any preparation, but the outcomes are always different depending on the songs used that week, the mood of the participatns and the way the session goes. When singing certain hymns, there have been some deeply moving moments. And we've had participatns and family members attend meetings and activities at the corps. 

It's mission!'

YEOVIL

Major Cheryl and Neil Davies run a fortnightly group in a local care home averaging a dozen attendees and featuring songs accompanied by Major Neil on guitar, Bible verses and prayer.

'Seeing the joy on the residents' faces is priceless and their individual responses, whether it be clapping, tapping, dancing or something else, shows that they are present in the moment and engaging on a level that may be hidden but not lost.' says Major Cheryl. 'It's become such an important part of our ministry. Staff, residents and families are so appreciative. Participants get so much out of it, they are not forgotten, and it's just so worthwhile connecting with them.'

HARROW

Major Jo Simpson hosts a twice-monthly group at a local baptist church, which is central, accessible, and on a bus route.

'God placed this on my heart as we emerged from the Covid-19 lockdowns.' says Major Jo. The group averages six attendees and is slowly growing. Each session starts with ta and coffee and a colour game, chich combines moevement, memory and co-ordination. It continues with songs, a tongue twister, Scripture and prayer. 'It's worship - you can tell from the joy on their faces.'

As well as making connections with the community, including the council and Age UK, the inging by Heart sessions have not only brought participants in but also a host of willing volunteers and some generous donations, which have been used towards pringing the singing books and providing congoing refreshments.

BRIDGWATER

Having successfully run a group at her home corps for two years before entering training college in 2019, Lietenant Heather Culshaw decided to do it again. With her fantastic team of volunteers, and support from the songsters, three groups operate - one at the corps and two in local care homes with attendances ranging from 10 to 30 participants. Song-related props - including bubbles, brollies and even beach balls - are used regularly and add extra fun and familiarity to the sessions.

'It's all about integration and inclusion and new ways of doing missional outreach,' says Lietenant Heather, who loves seeing everyone come alive through the singing and really enjoy themselves.

'It's important that it's interactive and to keep the session moving to hold peoples interest and keep them alert and engaged.'

Mission Partner Daniel Elson from the UK Territory will be a presenter at the Community Arts Engagement Conference in July with a presentation on the Singing by Heart Program - find out more on the conference webpage here.

Find out more about Singing by Heart in the UK by visiting here. 

Worship Arts Australia are keen to partner with local Corps in Australia who would like to form a Singing by Heart group - please contact Jason.simmonds@salvationarmy.org.au