This event is designed to help singing group leaders and conductors to develop stronger skills and knowledge around dementia-inclusive singing activity. The day will focus on skill sharing, peer learning and making connections. We hope the day will inspire you and provide new ideas to make your work more inclusive, so we can help to increase the accessibility of singing opportunities across Scotland to people living with dementia and their carers.

Who is this event for?

Community singing group leaders and conductors who currently lead groups that are dementia-inclusive, or people who lead singing activity and would like to make their group dementia-inclusive.

What to expect on the day?

The day will be led by the Network's Community Music Consultant Stephen Deazley. On the day, Stephen will lead the group in a series of singing activities and discussions on topics to help you recognise what you can offer as a leader. There will also be plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow song leaders to share learnings and experiences. The day will be accessible for group leaders of a range of experience levels; whether you are an experienced music specialist, or a community volunteer just getting started with a singing group, we would love you to come along and take part.

The programme will be designed so we can share our skills and knowledge and learn from each other. As part of the singing activity on the day, we would like to invite attendees to lead the gathering in a song of their choice. This is entirely optional, but if you would be interested in doing so then please let us know when completing the booking form. We will then choose a few songs from the submissions to be included in our programme. We will offer a fee of £40 to each leader, and we will let you know in the week before the event if your song has been selected.

The event will run from 10am-4pm. Lunch will be provided - please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements when completing the booking form.

Getting to the venue

Grassmarket Community Project is situated in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh's Old Town. The venue is around ten minutes' walk from Edinburgh Waverley station. Alternatively you can take the 35 bus from the station to the National Museum of Scotland, the venue is then a few minutes' walk from here. If travelling from within Edinburgh, the venue is also serviced by a number of local buses.

There is limited on-street parking near the venue; if you plan on travelling by car, please get in touch and we can advise on the best parking options for you.

If you have any access or additional support needs you think we should know about, please let us know when completing the booking form. If you have any questions about venue accessibility, please contact Maisie at maisie@luminatescotland.org.

Dementia Inclusive Singing Network

This training event is part of the Dementia Inclusive Singing Network programme, which aims to widen singing opportunities for people living with dementia across Scotland. The network is supported by Creative Scotland, the Life Changes Trust and the Baring Foundation, in partnership with Age Scotland, Scottish Care and Making Music.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

You can call Maisie, Dementia Inclusive Singing Network Coordinator on 0131 668 0330 or email singing@luminatescotland.org.

Whilst we regret that we are unable to offer a fee to all attendees for their time and travel, we can offer financial support to those where the cost would be a barrier to attending – please contact Maisie at maisie@luminatescotland.org if this is the case.

Song Leader & Conductor Gathering (Dementia Inclusive Singing Network)