Singing by Heart programme adds extra day to Chester offering
published on 7 Sep 2026
Singing group that helps people living with dementia comes to Chester.
A singing group that encourages people living with dementia to revisit memories locked in history will add another regular date to its calendar in Chester.
The Salvation Army programme, affectionately named ‘Singing by Heart’, sees attendees sing classic songs and well-known hymns encouraging a powerful form of music therapy, allowing people to remember songs from their past by recognising familiar music, locked in their memories.
The church and charity already runs monthly sessions in two care homes and at the Countess of Chester Hospital and will now add an extra programme to run on the fourth Monday of every month from its church and community centre on St Anne Street. The inaugural session of this group will take place on Monday 28th September from 2:30 pm – 3:30pm followed by refreshments and time to chat, welcoming anyone living with dementia and their carers to reminisce in a safe space.
Gay Tonks, church leader of The Salvation Army in Chester said: “We are proud that Singing by Heart is already well established across the City, and we have seen how crucial the groups are at supporting people that are living with dementia and their carers. We have seen already from the other sessions that we run that they are a lifeline to all, providing something to look forward to, and so wanted to add another cohort, reaching even more people within our community.
“The programme helps people in a very unique way and there is a wonderful mix of songs, friendly conversation and most importantly patience and understanding. We hope that in every session we can bring a boost to someone’s day with the songs stimulating good memories but also bringing a smile to everyone’s faces which is more important than ever when living with dementia.”
The ‘Singing by Heart’ sessions are affordably priced at a suggested donation of just £1 per person including refreshments and the church and community centre is accessible with a ramp on entry, has car parking and toilets.
Booking for future sessions is not necessary but to reserve a place at the first session of this group please contact 01244 316 791 or email chester@salvationarmy.org.uk by Monday 14th September.
