A dementia friendly primary school in Fife has joined forces with an older people’s support charity to harness the power of meaningful music.
Pupils in Primary Six at Leslie Primary School connected with Later Life Choices in Glenrothes to take part in sing-along activities and creating posters to promote the use of personal playlists for people living with dementia.
The partnership formed after STAND, a peer support organisation for people with young onset dementia and a Playlist for Life Help Point, shared our information with Katy Fraser from Leslie Primary School. Katy was keen for pupils to support people living with dementia in Glenrothes and invited Pam, a Playlist for Life Communities Officer, to give a talk to students. We put the school in touch with Later Life Choices, another Help Point, with a view to some partnership working. Later Life Choices welcomed the suggestion, it was agreed the pupils and members of the dementia support group would all benefit.
“We linked in with the children from Leslie Primary School and did some great intergenerational working with them. We worked through some of the Playlist for Life paperwork, had sing songs together based on the findings, danced together to the music, and in another session the children and clients made Playlist for Life posters, so a lot has been achieved. We have now forged a great link and are planning more activities.”
Wilma Timms, Day Service Coordinator
“Couldn't be prouder of the pupils who attended. Absolute credit to us, mannerly, caring and enthusiastic. They are very keen to continue attending the sessions and were able to experience the power of music”
Katy Fraser, Acting Depute Headteacher
“It was really fun. I enjoyed doing activities with all the elderly and dancing to music and singing songs!”
Primary school pupil
Read about Leslie Primary School becoming the first dementia friendly school in Fife.
Later Life Choices Glenrothes provide services for older people in and around Glenrothes which enhance their quality and enjoyment of life by encouraging interaction, mental & physical activity and companionship. Find out more.