Bexley Mencap’s Singing Group meets every Thursday afternoon; firstly, face to face and then later on as a Zoom group for other members who cannot attend in person. This helps to ensure maximum access.
‘The singing group is a great way for members to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment,’ says Kim, Bexley Mencap Support Worker, who leads the group.
Feedback from members and carer surveys indicates that the group provides invaluable support and friendship, offering important mental health and well-being benefits as well as much needed respite care.
Members choose different songs to sing together as a group every week. They also pick and practice their own favourite songs.
The age range of the singing group is from 20- 70s, so, as you can imagine, the range of music is very wide and varied.
Geoffrey, who is one of the older group members, likes to sing songs that he remembers when he was growing up in the 1950’s and 60s. Crooners like Val Doonican, Engelbert Humperdinck or Louis Armstrong are among his favourites.
Richard is a relative newcomer having joined the group only two months ago. Why does he like the group? ‘I enjoy singing with other people and getting to choose my own songs,’ he explains. Elton John is one of his favourite singers.
Younger members prefer to sing to popular dance or disco tracks. All musical tastes and talents are catered for.
Some members like Tom are part of a local church and bring hymns to sing. Tom reads music, sings in the choir and plays trumpet. Other members also enjoy gospel music and songs from films are always popular.
Sometimes members like to perform dance routines to songs. Songs are either sung with a backing vocal track or Karaoke style according to the preference of the individual member. Although they are provided, some group members bring their own microphones along and use their digital skills to amplify their voice to the music.
‘Music is a big mood lifter,’ says Di, Support Worker, who also helps with the group.
For people with a learning disability singing and music in general can be a key way of encouraging emotional and creative expression, increasing self-esteem and breaking down barriers that may hinder participation such as communication or sight difficulties.
One member, Macy, who comes to both sessions, enjoys seeing the music videos on the big screen expressing herself through her voice as she follows the lyrics.
According to Kim, her mother, ‘the singing group is the highlight of the week. She enjoys the social aspect of it. She’s still singing in the car on the journey home.’
Soon members will start to practice singing Christmas carols ready for performing to customers at a local supermarket; so there’s always a reason to sing the praises of Bexley Mencap’s singing group.
For more information on how to join the Singing Group, call Bexley Mencap on 0208 3036336 or email: office@bexleymencap.org.uk
