Choir sessions raise the roof for Wessex House residents
Residents at Wessex House in Somerton have come together for mood-boosting, choir-led, professional singing workshops, thanks to the generosity of Somerton shoppers.
Designed to support those living with dementia, alleviate loneliness and promote wellbeing, the weekly singing activity sessions, led by Yeovil-based Phoenix Voices choir, were funded by a donation from the Co-op Community Fund.
The project recently culminated with a celebratory concert at Wessex House, opened by the Mayor of Somerton, and starring residents and members of the Phoenix Voices choir, accompanied by a live band.
Sharing a love of singing
Maria Siddall is an Activities Co-ordinator at Wessex House, which provides specialist residential and nursing care. As a member of the Phoenix Voices choir herself, Maria has been instrumental in organising the weekly singing sessions and supporting residents to take part.
Maria says:
“These singing sessions have been a fantastic way of enabling all of our residents, whatever their abilities or limitations, to come together for a positive project to lift their spirits and benefit their wellbeing. It has been fantastic to share my love of singing with them, and over the duration of the project, we have all had a brilliant time singing popular songs and Christmas carols together.
A legacy to lift the spirits
“The concert was a fitting finale to 12 weeks of professional singing workshops, and our Wessex House residents’ choir are so proud to have been able to perform for their families and friends, accompanied by talented musicians and singers from their local community.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to shoppers at the Somerton Co-op store for supporting this project, and to the Phoenix Voices choir for bringing this incredible opportunity to our residents at Wessex House.
“Now that we’ve started singing together, we’re not planning to stop, and that is a brilliant legacy for the project.”
Find out more about life in a Somerset Care residential home
Our helpful Enquiries Team are always happy to discuss how we can provide yourself or a loved one with the tailored care you need, to live the life you choose.Call 0800 8174 990, or fill out our contact form, to find out about the support we can offer in our residential care homes or your own home.
