Longfield Care Centre, in Maldon, holds tea party event to raise awareness for dementia

Longfield Care Centre, in Fambridge Close, managed by Excelcare, held an event each day from May 15 to May 21 designed to engage and stimulate the people who live with dementia at the care centre.

The highlight of the week proved to be the ‘Singing of the Brain’ tea party. Staff at the care centre combined music and singing with a tea party in the garden to help raise awareness of living with dementia.

Evelyn Day, activities co-ordinator at Longfield, said: “Music is recognised to have a positive effect on those living with dementia. It improves wellbeing and can even improve communication for those who may have trouble with verbal speech.

“The event was a celebration of what people with dementia can still do when they are surrounded by the right support, engagement and positive attitude.”

Staff, residents and volunteers at Longfield plan to make ‘Singing for the Brain’ a regular event and hope to continue to raise awareness that it is possible to live with dementia and still have a happy life.