The community singing group of Parklands Care Home in Caerphilly, was joined by a host of special visitors on Thursday 26th March as Rhian Bowen-Davies, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, listened keenly to the group’s practice at the historic Bedwas Workmen's Hall.
The singing group, hosted by Parklands in partnership with local charity Inside Out Cymru, meets every other Thursday at the Workmen’s Hall, a building notable for its heritage. Marie Evans, Senior Wellbeing Lead at Parklands, coordinates the sessions extending a warm invitation for the wider community to participate with the group.
During the visit, Rhian Bowen-Davies spent time speaking with residents, relatives and carers who attend the group, learning about the friendships and support networks that have grown from the sessions. She listened as the group performed a selection of well-known songs together, celebrating the joy and sense of community that music can bring. The Commissioner’s visit formed part of her ongoing work to highlight initiatives across Wales that help older people stay connected, active and supported within their communities.
Marie Evans, Senior Wellbeing Lead at Parklands, said:
“Our singing group is about more than music, it’s about bringing people together, building support networks, and creating joyful moments that matter. We’re thrilled to welcome Rhian Bowen-Davies and showcase the positive impact of these sessions on our community.”
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said:
“It was great to have the opportunity to join older people living with dementia and their loved ones at Bedwas Workman’s Hall for a dementia choir session led by Inside Out, and I’d like to thank everyone involved for giving me such a warm welcome.
“The positive impact that these sessions have on people’s lives was clear to see: members were engaged and engaged throughout, with some even showing off their impressive rock-and-roll dance moves.
“In addition to being a really enjoyable activity, the choir also provides crucial peer support to people living with dementia, and enables important connections between carers and support organisations.
“These kinds of opportunities, built around social activities, support people living with dementia, as well as their carers, to stay connected and feel supported within local communities, helping them to live and age well, and reduce social isolation and loneliness.
“I therefore hope that Inside Out Cymru can continue to provide these engaging sessions, and that other similar sessions can be delivered in communities across Wales in the future.”
Kate Verity, Project Manager at Inside Out Cymru, stated:
"Inside Out Cymru has worked closely with Parklands Care Home over the last few years, building links into the community and creating opportunities for people to enjoy singing together. Many of the group's participants had come to Bedwas Workmen's Hall when they were younger to 'go to the pictures', so using this venue is the perfect place to reminisce and socialise alongside the music.
“The sessions created a welcoming space where older people could come together to enjoy music and make new friends. We all leave with a greater sense of wellbeing and we will be looking to run more of these sessions in the future.
“We would like to thank the Regional Integration Fund for the grant that made this possible, and add a special thanks to Marie Evans from Parklands Home who was a driving force behind the sessions, as well as the volunteers in Bedwas Workmen's Hall for welcoming our group."
“This visit underscores Parklands’ commitment to collaborative initiatives that enhance wellbeing and highlight the importance of inclusive, supportive spaces for older people and their carers.”
For more information on Parklands Care Home, please visit:
Parklands - Care home in Bedwas, Caerphilly | HC One