A new Singing for the Brain group for older people, and those living with dementia is being launched in Glastonbury.

Singing for the Brain promotes communication through singing which can help with articulation, concentration, focus and motivation. Specially-trained facilitators deliver a varied programme of vocal, rhythmic and gentle physical exercise and dance, along with songs from different eras and styles.

There are many benefits to singing, especially for older people - it is great for improving brain function, and can also reduce anxiety and depression thanks to the release of mood-boosting chemicals into the body.

Joining a choir or singing group is also great for the elderly to build new relationships, meet new people and improve their overall quality of life. In a group they'll learn to control breathing with singing and it's great for improving self-confidence and tackling loneliness.

The power of music, especially singing, to unlock memories and kickstart the grey matter is an increasingly key feature of dementia care. It seems to reach parts of the damaged brain in ways other forms of communication cannot.

'We tend to remain contactable as musical beings on some level right up to the very end of life,' says Professor Paul Robertson, a concert violinist and academic who has made a study of music in dementia care.

'We know that the brain's auditory system is the first to fully function at 16 weeks, which means that you are musically receptive long before anything else. So it's a case of first in, last out when it comes to a dementia-type breakdown of memory.'

The sessions will occur twice a month - the second and fourth Thursday of each month between 10.30am and 12pm - at the United Reform Church in Glastonbury High Street, and are being organised by Somerset Arts Well and Glastonbury Dementia Alliance.

There is a suggested donation of between £3 and £5, or whatever you can afford, and refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact [email protected] or call 07711 006691.