Resources for churches
BBC Songs of Praise filmed a special dementia-friendly service in Lichfield Cathedral to go out on Sunday 12 May 2024, at the start of Dementia Action Week. We were thrilled to work with Rev David Primrose and the congregation for the service and the programme features Music for Dementia’s ambassador, Tony Christie and the fantastic Sheffield Memory Hub.
Across the country faith communities are supporting families affected by dementia through drop ins, social groups, and the regular pattern of faith life. We would love to signpost people to resources from different faiths and denominations about how you use music to make people living with dementia welcome. Please contact us if you have anything you want to share.
David Primrose and and the Lichfield team have been building a ‘dementia-friendly church’ for many years. We are thrilled to be able to share some of their tips and resources here.
How to host a dementia friendly service
Practical advice about how to organise a dementia friendly service with accessibility in mind. From advice on timings and who to invite, to signage and why it can be worth printing the order of service on yellow paper.
Dementia Friendly Church website - Diocese of Lichfield
Visit Lichfield Diocese to learn about their long-running dementia friendly church programme and download some of the specialist recources they have developed including their affirmation and the 'Spiritual Passport' (including space to record someone's favourite hymns).
Lichfield - Dementia and Spirituality Guide
Found to be a key resource by many connected to Lichfield's dementia friendly church programme, this is a booklet written for people living with dementia and their families. It considers some of the emotional and spiritual challenges that arise with dementia and people of all faiths and none have found it useful. (Cover image by Image by Chris Duffett https://chrisduffettart.com/)
Order of Service - editable
This is the order of service that was used in Lichfield for the Songs of Praise recording. Editable to make it work for you.
Service leader script - editable
This is the script the service leader followed during the Songs of Praise service. Editable for you to adapt locally.
Watch the special edition of Songs of Praise
If you missed the special Songs of Praise at the start of Dementia Action Week, you can still catch it now on iPlayer with Rev Kate Bottley and our MD Sarah Metcalfe.