Author: keynshamdaa

Keynsham and Saltford Dementia Action Alliance was created in December 2016, with status as a charity confirmed in 2019. In May 2017, Music for the Mind sessions started and continue to run twice a month. They have remained popular, even with a challenging period where we were unable to run sessions. Over the last year, our attendance numbers have continued to grow and we are looking for additional volunteers to assist us as we continue to develop.

A key area we would like to build on is links to business within both Keynsham and Saltford and encouraging them to continue to work on being dementia friendly. We are asking individuals with an interest in either helping out with Music for the Mind or in more strategic roles to get in touch. The potential areas you could help out are as follows:

Music for the mind volunteer

We have been running the sessions for many years and have an existing team of volunteers who would support you in a role that suits your interests.

The main responsibility would be to assist with the running of sessions which can include more manual tasks such as setting up tables or socialising with our dementia friends and their carers, preparing drinks, giving out song books and/or helping out in the car park.

You would be present at the sessions which are on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month, it would not need to be every week and there is flexibility over when you would attend.

Community Engagement volunteer

This would be a fantastic opportunity for someone enthusiastic about their local community.

It would suit someone who is engaging, sociable and keen to combine skills in marketing, relationship/business development. Preferably you will already have links to Keynsham and/or Saltford with some knowledge/experience of dementia or arekeen to know more.

You would be the main point of contact for local business and responsible for developing links with the charity and how both can support each other. This can include making businesses aware of our services for site visits and how they can be adapted to be more dementia friendly, options for staff training and knowledge of dementia, ideas for fundraising/sponsorship along with any other good ideas you have.

Treasurer

This role as a volunteer would have flexibility to contribute as much as you like. The main responsibilities would be recording income and expenditure for the charity, managing finances in conjunction with the trustees, payment of invoices.

As a small charity it would only require a couple of hours a month but previous volunteers have enjoyed being part of a group and gone on to contribute to wider development.

Experience or background in accountancy or similar would be useful but not essential as we would support you in getting up and running.

Trustee

As a trustee you will have input into how the charity develops, areas to improve and making a difference to the communities of Keynsham and Saltford and those with dementia. You should have an interest in promoting greater inclusion and recognition of dementia, from those with the condition to their family, carers and wider support.

In particular, we would be keen for individuals with a background in either medical or the legal sector, previous experience as a trustee is not required.

If you are keen to discuss and have a chat about any of the roles, please do get in touch.

Contact details:

www.keynshamdaa.co.uk

ksdaa22@gmail.com

07392 442966

Afternoon Tea

All our members were invited to an afternoon tea that took place in St Dunstan’s Church hall on Tuesday 15^th August. The afternoon proved to be a great success with about 60 people in attendance. The tea was the idea of Judith Lynn and she was responsible for providing all the food and drinks. She was ably assisted by her granddaughter Emily.

Before tea we were entertained by Lindy Platt, who leads our Music for the Mind sessions. She sang some good old songs supported by Geoff Ditcham on keyboard with the audience joining in on choruses. Then we had the cream tea with lots of lovely scones and cakes. A good afternoon was had by all.

Boccia session

There were 5 Thursdays in August so we normally do something different from singing. On 31^st August we had a boccia session and dominos was an alternative for some. Boccia is similar to bowls but is played indoors and while sitting down so is suitable for all ages and ability. There was an excellent turnout with over 20 people taking part altogether. There was lots of cheering and encouragement for everyone who took part. Thanks to all the volunteers including Judith and Jayne who did the refreshments. As usual the ladies from St Phillips and St James’ care home arrived in numbers so thanks also to Keynsham Dial-a-Ride for their support.

Our group has had a couple of special Music for the Mind sessions recently.

We were invited to do one of our sessions as a part of the Keynsham Music Festival which took place during the last week of June in Keynsham Park. Our slot was from 2 to 4pm on Friday 30th June in the Big Tent. it all went very well with an audience of more than 50 people. As well as the refreshments there was a folk duo and some circus acts before Lindy led one of our sessions for the second hour. 

Our Music for the Mind session on 27th July turned out to be the 100th one since we began in May 2017. To make it a special occasion we had a special cake with candles and the hall was decorated and we sang a hearty rendition of Congratulations. 

Keynsham and Saltford Dementia Action Alliance’s Music for the Mind have just celebrated their 100^th session since starting in 2017, despite being prevented from meeting during the covid pandemic.

In early April, St Monica’s Trust invited the Occasional Brass Band to come and perform a concert for their residents in the Chocolate Quarter. Refreshments, biscuits and cakes were provided and they also organised a raffle with the proceeds going to the Keynsham & Saltford Dementia Action Alliance.

The photograph shows June, the lead of our management team and Lindy, our wonderful singing coordinator, receiving a cheque for £176.90 from Belle and Rosie from St Monica’s. Many thanks to Rosie and Belle for organising the event and to St Monica’s for their generous donation

We recently received a donation of £250 from Joy Matthews in memory of her husband David (Danny) Matthews. He passed away recently after living with dementia for several years. There was a collection at his funeral so our sincere thanks go to Joy and her family for their very generous donation to our organisation. Danny worked at the Fry’s factory for most of his working life and he will be sadly missed by family, friends and colleagues.