Suzanne Procter, Principal at Dementia Singing Experience Sussex, gives us a unique glimpse into their mission as a small charity, what a typical day is like for her and her team, and the difference they're making for those affected by dementia and their carers.

Who are Dementia Singing Experience Sussex (DSES)?

We take structured and interactive singing, activity and craft sessions into community day care centres and care homes, supporting those living with dementia and offering respite opportunities for carers. From very small beginnings as a not-for-profit organisation back in 2014, we have expanded from one session per week to at least 30 sessions per month. We have also been a registered charity since 2019.

How long have you been with DSES?

I have been working with the charity for coming up to 10 years. I became involved with DSES after experiencing the decline of my Auntie, who was living with dementia from the age of 64. She used to love it when I would visit and sing songs to her, she would come alive and become the Auntie that I always remembered. This really struck a chord with me. As a performer I realised that maybe there was something I could be doing to help those living with this dreadful condition.

What’s a typical day like for you and your team?

A typical day at DSES involves gathering all props, costumes and a speaker and heading out to one of our care homes/centres to lead an hour session in the morning and another hour in the afternoon. We arrive, set everything up and introduce ourselves to everyone in the room. It's important we make sure we know the names of every client to make the experience more personal. During the sessions, we use fun props, crazy costumes and make sure we keep everyone moving and as active as they possibly can for the full hour. 

Can you share a story of how your charity has directly impacted someone's life?

The most wonderful part of our sessions is when a client arrives silent, unresponsive with their heads down and eyes closed, and they leave awake, smiling, talking, laughing and still tapping their feet along to the music they have just heard. It can be a challenge working with those clients who are towards the end of their dementia journey, but we do include everyone as much as we can whatever their condition.

Recently, one of the clients, who hadn’t spoken for three months, attended his first session with us. He arrived asleep but, as our session progressed, he began tapping his feet, singing and even dancing. It was a joy to behold! His wife, who was visiting at the time, was in tears, as were we!

What are the challenges you face, being a small organisation?

As a small charity, one of the challenges we face is securing funding. It is a constant battle but one we attempt to remain positive about. 

What impact do you feel you have in the wider community?

Our charity is unique because we interact with everyone, we learn everyone’s names and make sure that no-one is left out. We don’t just stand at the front and sing, we engage and communicate, trying to share our positivity not just with the clients, but the staff too. It is like one huge family!

Dementia Singing Experience Sussex brings interactive singing and craft sessions into day care centres and care homes across Sussex, supporting those living with dementia and their carers. Find out more about the work they do on their website.

Dementia Singing Experience Sussex recently received a grant from the Foundation under the Improving Health funding priority.