PEOPLE living with dementia and the loved ones who care for them are being reminded about a series of free weekly music cafes in Tameside.
Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind team up with chamber orchestra Manchester Camerata to deliver the sessions in Stalybridge and Ashton-under-Lyne.
The welcoming sessions are designed to help participants express themselves through music, discover new ways to communicate and build meaningful social connections.
Organisers say the cafes also provide a vital source of encouragement and respite for carers, who often face isolation and emotional strain.
No musical background is required, and all activities are fully guided by trained facilitators. The focus is on enjoyment, participation and shared experience rather than performance.
The cafes run every week during term time from 10.30am to midday at St Andrew’s House Medical Centre in Stalybridge on Tuesdays, and Broadoak Community Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne on Wednesdays.
Alongside the sessions, TOG Mind is appealing for volunteer ‘music champions’ to help support and grow the initiative.
No prior musical experience is needed, and full training will be provided.
Anyone interested in attending or volunteering can find out more by emailing gemmacooper@togmind.org, calling 0161 393 2976, or visiting www.musicinmind.org