Dementia Support East Sussex is a not for profit organisation who run singing, movement and craft sessions for people suffering with dementia. We aim to reach out to as many people as possible affected by this cruel condition by bringing interactive music sessions to day care centres and care homes in the Sussex area.

We operate on a shoestring, make no charge for our sessions and believe that our service should be free of charge so that none are excluded. We face increased running costs inlcuding tutor costs, purchasing props, website maintenance, insurance to name but a few. We are constantly being approached to attend new venues but at present do not have the funds to branch out.

Dementia can be a very lonely world and can still attract stigma. Unfortunately, this leaves these communities among the most disadvantaged with limited social opportunities. By bringing carers, cared for and community together, we bring a sense of integration and normality.

Stimulation is essential for the self esteem, well being and sense of purpose for those touched by dementia. Singing is the perfect therapy. Our session programmes are uniquely designed and structured to involve all the senses and produce the greatest level of response from interaction. We regularly see some who have arrived silent or less communicative become animated, talkative and sociable. Others appearing sad or depressed immediately show signs of happiness and even those less mobile become more physically active.

As a background, 42% of the population are affected by the issue of dementia, directly through family or indirectly through close friends and colleagues. There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025. This will soar to 2 million by 2051. 225,000 will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes. In the South East there are around 50,000 people living with dementia today, and it is predicted that this will rise to 66,834 by 2021.

We currently have funds to see us through till March 2019 but need further funds to continue our current sessions and also to be able to expand to new venues and clients in the future!!

Anything you can donate will be a huge help!!

Thanks so much

Suzanne and all the DSES team

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