A NEW singing group for people living with and alongside dementia has given its first performance in St Austell.

The Forget-Me-Not Chorus (FMNC) charity has recently launched the group, which is its first community chorus outside of Wales where it has used the power of shared song to reach thousands of people impacted by dementia.

The St August FMNC is led by St Agnes-based professional soprano Caroline Childe and the first performance took place at Mount Charles Methodist Church.

Relaxed, informal performances like the one given at the church are an FMNC trademark.

No song sheets are used, so as not to distinguish those who are no longer able to read or recognise words, and there is an emphasis on celebrating life in the moment, without any pressure or stress.

FMNC St Austell is open to anyone living with and alongside dementia and no referral is needed. Sessions are free to attend and are run on alternate Saturdays between 2pm and 4pm.

FMNC continues to work with memory cafes and other local organisations to raise awareness of this new community service and welcomes volunteer singing buddies who can give their time to support other singers.

For more information, contact Freddie Hodkin via [email protected] or telephone 07711 293028.