18/12/2023
Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell today welcomed members of local ‘Singing for the Brain’ groups to the Chapel at Bishopthorpe Palace for their Christmas Carol Service. Around 60 people gathered to sing well known carols and then enjoyed light refreshments in the Great Hall.
Singing for the Brain is a trademark registered initiative delivered by Alzheimer’s Society, and is funded locally in York in collaboration with AgeUK York, a charity which the staff at Bishopthorpe have supported in 2023. It brings people affected by dementia together to sing a variety of songs they know and love, in a fun and friendly environment.
Offering the chapel as the venue for the Christmas Carol Service, Archbishop Stephen said: “I think most of us know that singing is good for us, whether it’s singing in the shower on our own, in the stands at football matches, in choirs, both large and small, or at services held in churches, schools and community centres. Raising our voices in song unites us and lifts our spirits in a way that speaking doesn’t. It was so moving to be with our guests today who joined in the songs, memories of the words and melodies of traditional carols being easily retrieved. It was truly uplifting.”
Simon Holmes, the Chief Executive of local charity Age UK York expressed his thanks and said “ Each day Age UK York supports older people and those around them across the city and beyond. We do so in partnership and are so grateful for the kind support of the Archbishop of York and the team at the Bishopthorpe Palace. They have supported us throughout the year from hosting our volunteer celebration events to kindly fundraising in support of our work. Singing for the Brain is a wonderful experience and it was a joy to be able to hold our event in the Chapel in the run up to Christmas.
Age UK York provide a range of services each day across our communities in York in helping people at a time of need and to enjoy later life. You can find out more, including more about our services and how to access them as well as how to get involved from volunteering to fundraising, online at AgeUK York