MP joins music and dancing session at Tibbs Dementia Foundation

A special session was hosted by Music 4 Memory, part of the Tibbs Dementia Foundation, when they were joined by Bedford and Kempston MP Richard Fuller and Dunstable Rock Choir.
MP Richard Fuller at the Tibbs Dementia Foundation music groupMP Richard Fuller at the Tibbs Dementia Foundation music group
MP Richard Fuller at the Tibbs Dementia Foundation music group

More than 90 people with dementia, family carers and volunteers joined in an enjoyable morning of dancing on Friday, March 18.

Music 4 Memory meets weekly in Bedford to give people with dementia and their families a space to sing, dance and have fun together through performance and inviting other community groups to join the sessions.

Sarah Russell, chief executive of Tibbs Dementia Foundation, said: “All of our services and especially Music 4 Memory focus on what the person with dementia can still do, there are many losses

associated with dementia but what people often forget is that a great deal remains and with the right support and encouragement people can continue to live fulfilled, active and meaningful lives and make a huge contribution to community life.”

Tibbs Dementia Foundation uses a community approach encouraging people with dementia their families and a large pool of committed volunteers to actively work together to make positive changes for dementia in Bedford.

Mr Fuller, who last visited Music 4 Memory 18 months ago, said it was amazing to see how much it has grown.

He said: “For a local community organisation which is based on volunteers, it makes a huge impact on so many people’s lives. It really is a gold standard charity.”

The idea of creating a Dementia Friendly Community has long been promoted by David Cameron.

Mr Fuller added: “Tibbs can tell Mr Cameron what works. It is groups like Tibbs across the country that should be leading and shaping what that community should look like. It has to be based on real life experiences, individual to individual, family by family. That’s what Tibbs does.”

For more information about the work of Tibbs Dementia Foundation email [email protected] or phone 0779 5177948.