Small Grants update

Tue, 18th Oct 2022

Dementia Inclusive Singing Network

Five groups receive grants

Small Grants Programme

The Dementia Inclusive Singing Network helps people living with dementia to take part in singing activities across Scotland, and supports leaders and organisers of singing groups and choirs to be dementia inclusive. As COVID-19 restrictions reduce, the network can also offer advice and support to individuals, groups and organisations that are taking steps to return to in-person and/or hyrbid singing activities. Our support includes awarding small grants.  

Our Grants Programme is funded by the Life Changes Trust and Creative Scotland’s Recovery Fund for Organisations. 

Five singing projects around Scotland have received grants in our latest funding round. They are: 

Eric’s Encore, The Eric Liddell Community, Edinburgh 

The grant will be used to re-start a much sought-after dementia friendly singing group at the Eric Liddle Community Hub in South Edinburgh and help to further develop a wider programme of dementia friendly activities.  

Nomad Beat, Peebles 

Nomad Beat is a community music school that specialises in accessible music tuition and therapeutic musical outreach. Nomad Beat, in partnership with Dementia-Friendly Tweeddale, will use their grant to launch Recollective, a new weekly choir for people living with dementia and their carers.  

Shalder Shanty Singers, Shetland 

The Shalder Singers draw members from across Shetland. In a region where one couple travels more than 100 miles (and two ferries) to attend sessions, this grant will support volunteers working with isolated crewmembers, and give them the chance to lead shanties. 

Next February, the Shalder singers will mark their first anniversary with a fundraiser to raise awareness of the power of singing sea shanties. They are also planning a sea shanty concert to coincide with The Tall Ships Races that return to Shetland in July 2023. 

Alzheimer’s Scotland Fife & Borders 
This grant will support the launch of a new singing group for people living with dementia and their carers. Based in Galashiels, the new fortnightly group will offer meaningful and therapeutic music activities, while also reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness for people, making a huge difference for people living locally with a dementia diagnosis.  

Musical Minds, Inverclyde 

With the support of Clydeside Singers,  Greigarious Community Arts and Singing (CAS) has for more than 12 years witnessed the profound effect that music and singing has on those living with dementia. The grant will help the Musical Minds Inverclyde project continue to bring music and joy back into the lives of as many members of the community as they can.