COUNTY: Volunteers are being sought to safeguard the future of a unique service in Dorset for people with dementia.

Melodies for Memories, supported by Age UK Dorchester and Age UK Bournemouth, runs eight groups across the county.

Project manager Yvonne Cable said: “Music is a great medium for stimulating memories and it’s amazing how even those with severe memory impairment can still remember lyrics and melodies from 50 years ago.

“Although most of our attendees have dementia, we do have a few older people who don’t have dementia, but love music and enjoy meeting others.”

Joy Simpson, 85, has been attending the sessions since they started. She said: “Singing cheers you up, but it’s even better when there’s a group of you.”

Her friend Jackie Wood, 75 added: “We know all the songs we used to sing during the war – it makes you feel good as it brings back happy memories.”

Music facilitator Natalie Betts, who plays acoustic guitar at the sessions, said: “Life can be quite hard at home for some of them, but this is a chance for people to relax and have fun.”

Yvonne adds: “The service only has funding until October so we need more people to make it sustainable.”

To find out more about the service, please contact Yvonne on 07747 533252 or email yvonne@ ageukdorchester.co.uk