Singing for the Brain (SFTB) Ireland is supported by Cork Kerry Community Healthcare’s Community Work Departments. SFTB is a community-based initiative that was conceived by musical director Fiona Flavin and first piloted by the Crystal Project Mallow in 2015. It now runs in Cork city & County and online.
The goal is for people attending a SFTB group is to feel nurtured, uplifted and energised. By participating in a singing group, people can experience the social support, camaraderie, and sense of belonging that comes from being part of a community.
We recognize the importance of social connection, particularly for individuals facing challenges associated with dementia.
We also value the crucial role that carers and family members play in supporting individuals with cognitive or health conditions.
By providing a social group environment, SFTB can offer much-needed support to carers and family members, helping them feel connected, understood, and encouraged.
And we hope that SFTB provides an opportunity for coordinators, musical facilitators and volunteers to contribute to a meaningful cause.
SFTB welcomes anyone who wishes to engage in the uplifting experience of group singing, no singing experience is necessary. It provides a welcoming and supportive environment for people to come together, regardless of their abilities or specific health conditions.
If you are interested in learning more please contact the Singing for the Brain Administrator on 087-4622616 or email singing4thebrain@gmail.com
Over 150 people from 8 groups (in-person and online) across Cork City and County gathered together for the first time since the groups formed 8 years ago, to share their love of music and singing.
The key attraction on the day was the opportunity to sing together in a large group. Musical Director Fiona Flavin and Singing for the Brain (SFTB) musical facilitators Kevin McCormack and Dean Flynn led the Summer Jamboree as participants joined together to enjoy a wide repertoire of songs, all designed to bring the groups together through their shared love of music and singing.
The Singing for the Brain initiative began in Mallow in 2015, as the HSE-supported Crystal Project looked to develop a group singing session that was sociable and enjoyable, particularly for those living with dementia, but not dementia specific.
Since forming in Mallow in 2015, the initiative has grown from strength to strength with 11 Singing for the Brain groups now running across Cork City and County, in locations like: Fermoy, Farranree, Youghal, Ballyphehane, Charleville, Blackpool and Castletownbere and groups also run online.
This initiative is supported by the Cork Kerry Community Healthcare’s Community Work Departments. If you are interested in learning more please contact the Singing for the Brain Administrator on 087-4622616 or email singing4thebrain@gmail.com
Old Library Building,
Cork Kerry Community Healthcare
St Marys Road, Cork.
Tel: 021 4928370
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Contact Community Health Workers:
Fidelma O’Connell – 087180 0210
Oisín Hennessy – 087 389 6982
Barry Hickey – 087 165 9084
Ailish McDonald – 087 097 9707
Le Chéile Family Resource Centre,
Mallow Community Campus,
Fair Street, Mallow
Pauline O Grady-Noonan
Tel: 087 4335047
chp@lecheilefrc.ie
www.mallowchp.com
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Fermoy Resource Centre,
42 McCurtain Street
Jacinta McCormack
Tel: 085 8742320
jacinta.mccormack@hse.ie
www.fermoyresourcecentre.com
Facebook: Fermoy Community Health Project
Blackwater Heights, Youghal
Niamh Herbert
Tel: 087 641 3468
niamh.herbert@hse.ie
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