Page Kirk's eleventh charity - Our Dementia Choir

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There are twelve days of Christmas, but there have been twelve months of giving here at Page Kirk. Joe Virtue, our cloud accounting technician, tells us more about a fantastic charity that supports people with dementia.

I hope you are all in good spirits during this festive season. As many of you may know, back in November, our accountancy firm chose to support an incredible charity that is truly close to my heart - Our Dementia Choir.

At the beginning of the year, the team were asked to put forward suggestions for charities we wanted the firm to help during 2023. I was delighted that my suggestion was adopted as one of our 12 charities – one for each month of the year.

I put forward this incredible charity as I know first hand how dementia can affect people. My Gran was diagnosed with this progressive condition. She had a deep love for singing and was part of a choir before her condition worsened. Although the choir wasn't associated with this charity, I knew my Gran would have loved it. Our Dementia Choir values the idea that everyone, irrespective of their cognitive abilities, deserves the chance to enjoy singing and music.

The charity has played an instrumental role in groundbreaking scientific studies. These studies focus on measuring the emotional and physical responses to regular singing lessons for individuals living with dementia, showcasing the profound joy it brings to their lives.

Our Dementia Choir is more than just a charity; it's a source of joy, and a testament to the power of music in enhancing the lives of those living with dementia.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Our Dementia Choir is their commitment to fostering a sense of community and connection. Through the transformative power of music, they create a supportive environment where individuals with dementia can express themselves, connect with others and experience moments of joy. It's truly heartening to witness the positive effects that music can have on the well-being and emotional state of those facing the challenges of dementia.

But Our Dementia Choir doesn't stop there. They also work tirelessly to raise awareness about dementia and challenge the stigma associated with it. By showcasing the abilities and creativity of individuals with dementia, they are helping to shift perceptions and promote a more inclusive society.

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It was really nice to see everyone at the firm get behind this charity. Throughout November, the Page Kirk team got involved in many initiatives to raise awareness and funds. This included a car racing simulator competition, which I didn't do too badly in, even though I didn't win. We also had a 'day off work' raffle and, to end the month and to start the Christmas celebrations, a festive lunch with a quiz.

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Now, as we find ourselves in the season of giving, I want to encourage everyone to consider supporting this remarkable charity. There are various ways to get involved, whether through volunteering, making a donation or spreading the word about their mission. Visit their website at https://www.ourdementiachoir.com to learn more about how you can contribute and be a part of their incredible journey.

Wishing you all a festive season filled with love, laughter, and the spirit of giving.

In memory of Sylvia Virtue, 20/03/1944 – 05/08/2023, a wonderful granny.

Page Kirk pledged to support 12 different charities in 2023, one for every month. Read about our past charity partnerships here:

Baby Basics Long Eaton in January.

Brinsley Animal Rescue in February

NSPCC Midlands Hub in March.

Notts SVS Services in April.

Drone to Home in May.

MND Nottinghamshire Branch in June.

Stonebridge City Farm in July.

Juno Women's Aid in August.

Shoe Aid in September.

Guide Dogs in October

Our Dementia Choir in November. See above

St Ann's Advice Food Bank in December. Still to come.

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