Batley church launches singing group to support people living with dementia

A singing group that supports people living with dementia and their carers has launched at Batley Salvation Army. 

The Singing by Heart Sessions will take place once a month as part of Lite Bite Plus, a community programme which provides a different activity each Thursday. 

Lite Bite Plus, at the church and charity in Bradford Road, offers refreshments from 10am followed by a light lunch, with afternoon activities which change each week of the month. The first week is indoor kurling, week two offers Momentum (gentle seated movement), week three is board games followed by Singing by Heart on the fourth Thursday. When there is a fifth Thursday, arts and crafts sessions are held. 

Major Carolyn Wilson, who leads Batley Salvation Army with Major Paul, said: “We are really pleased to be launching a group dedicated to supporting people living with dementia or memory loss. We know that singing can help unlock memories, boost happiness and help reduce anxiety. 

“This is part of a wider programme we’ve started recently aimed at tackling isolation and helping to boost the physical and mental wellbeing of those in our community. Batley Salvation Army is a warm, safe space for people to come and socialise where they know they will be welcomed and feel included.” 

Lite Bite Plus offers refreshments throughout the morning with lunch at 12.15pm for a donation of £2 and activities afterwards. 

Carolyn continued: “It’s open to people of all ages, families and community groups. What’s important for us is keeping prices down so the sessions themselves are free, with food and refreshments affordable for everyone. It’s also about making sure we engage with everyone. We’ve got some wonderful volunteers who will sit with people if they are on their own.” 

The accessibility of Batley Salvation Army, which has a big car park and accessible facilities, has encouraged groups from outside of the town to come on a Thursday, including the Day Opportunities team from Wakefield Council, who support adults with additional needs. 

Michelle and Stacey from the team said: “The Salvation Army have made us feel so welcome, it’s the fact that the staff are so friendly and welcoming and will do anything to help. 

“The service users enjoy the activities and it’s nice for them to be able to come out to a relaxed environment where they can be themselves.  

“A big thank you to The Salvation Army for everything they do, they are everything you expect The Salvation Army to be – friendly, happy and welcoming. Volunteers at their best.” 

Batley Salvation Army hosts a range of activities throughout the week including Sunday worship. They also have a busy charity shop on site open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.