Coverage Care Services is proud to partner with Shropshire Music Service and Vibrant Shropshire to launch Singing for the Brain - a heartfelt, music-led initiative designed to enrich the lives of people living with dementia across our county.
Commissioned by Vibrant Shropshire as part of the This is Shropshire Festival and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this project directly addresses the growing health and wellbeing needs of our ageing population.
Meeting a Growing Need
Shropshire is experiencing a demographic shift. According to NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, the number of residents aged 65+ has risen by 25% over the past decade. Today, more than 44% of the county’s population is aged 50 or older - well above national and regional averages. Dementia diagnoses are projected to increase by 80% between 2017 and 2035, with around 8,000 people currently living with the condition in Shropshire.
Music as Medicine
Inspired by the Alzheimer’s Society’s acclaimed Singing for the Brain programme, this initiative uses music to foster connection, creativity, and joy. Over the coming months, 40 interactive singing sessions will be delivered across four of our specialist dementia care homes:
- Montgomery House and Briarfields in Shrewsbury
- Greenfields in Whitchurch
- New Fairholme in Oswestry
Sessions will run from September through December, ensuring residents across the county can benefit from this uplifting experience.
Led by Experts, Rooted in Compassion
Each session will be led by accredited practitioners from Shropshire Music Service - highly experienced music educators with over two decades of expertise, advanced qualifications, and enhanced DBS certification. Trained by the Alzheimer’s Society, they bring both musical excellence and heartfelt care to every session.
All activities will be delivered in line with robust safeguarding and health and safety protocols, developed in collaboration with Shropshire Council and tailored to each care home.
A Shared Commitment to Wellbeing
As Shropshire’s largest not-for-profit care provider, Coverage Care has worked closely with Shropshire Music Service to identify the homes where this initiative will have the greatest impact. With seven of our homes offering specialist dementia care, the selected locations were chosen with guidance from our Chief Executive, Debbie Price.
“We are delighted to be part of this inspiring initiative. Singing for the Brain offers our residents a chance to connect, express themselves, and experience joy through music. It’s a beautiful way to support emotional wellbeing and build community within our homes.” - Debbie Price, Chief Executive, Coverage Care Services.
Each session will welcome not only residents but also their families and carers - creating a warm, inclusive environment where music becomes a bridge to shared memories and meaningful connection.
Extending a Legacy of Music
Founded in 1967, Shropshire Music Service is the county’s leading provider of music education for children, approved by the Department for Education and Arts Council England. While its roots are in youth education, this project marks a powerful expansion into adult care - made possible through a commission from Vibrant Shropshire Cultural Compact.
“We are honoured to bring the power of music into Coverage Care homes. This partnership allows us to share the joy of singing with some of the most vulnerable members of our community.” - Dr Sarah Browne, Head of Service, Shropshire Music Service & Schools Library Service
Through Singing for the Brain, we’re not just delivering music - we’re delivering moments of joy, connection, and comfort to those who need it most.
For more information, please contact us.
