Seeing the Person, Not the Diagnosis
What happens when people living with dementia are given the chance to create
There’s something magical that happens when people feel safe to create and express themselves - and my charity are privileged to witness this on a weekly basis.
This article shares first-hand experience of how the attendees of The Billericay Men’s Shed created a unique musical composition, that provides the perfect opportunity to experience the person and personality, behind a dementia diagnosis.
The Mens Shed are a community group that offer a welcoming space for people living with dementia to connect and support one another. Initially, we booked 5 sessions with them, to explore musical performance that encourages physical movement. However, it was quickly evident that this group had ideas of their own and extra creative avenues to explore. So, we suggested that they compose their own song.
Within 5 x 1 hour music sessions, the group wrote and recorded an original track called Happy Shed. The song is a reflection on friendship, support networks, the value that The Shed brings to their lives - and the appreciation of togetherness. It’s packed with their stories, humour, and big personalities. Every word and every melody, came from them.
The group:
📝 Contributed every lyric
🎶 Directed the musical mood and structure
🎤 Took part in a full recording session
🎸 Played the majority of instruments and melodies on the record
🤝 Encouraged and supported each others contributions
But the journey didn’t end there. Deservedly, their achievements started to attract external attention.
From the Shed.. to the Stage
When local council representatives heard Happy Shed, they were blown away by the groups creative achievements, confidence and ability. So much so, that they invited the group to perform live at Basildon Council’s Volunteer Awards.
The atmosphere took the groups breath away. This collection of adults ranging in age from 60’s - 90’s, had just finished composing their first ever song, and were now about to perform at their debut gig - with their own song in the set list! Not many people get to say that in their lives.
The audience reaction, standing ovation, huge smiles, and realisation of the recognition they were receiving, created something completely original and heartfelt for the performers. It was a special moment to witness.
One of the sponsors of that event, the train company c2c, was also moved by the performance.
They reached out and invited the group to perform again. This time at Fenchurch Street Station in London, for the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
This collection of Mums & Dads - Grandma’s and Grandads - who’d previously never attended a music session, written a song, or played an instrument, were now performing live in one of Londons busiest train stations, for an iconic anniversary in the nations history. And they loved every minute of it.
Seeing the Person Behind the Diagnosis
This is what inclusive music-making can do.
It shines a light on the person and the personality. Not the diagnosis.
It shows what people can do, not what they can’t.
Projects like this are a reminder that creativity doesn’t disappear with age, memory loss, or changing circumstances. With the right support and environment, it can flourish. Often in ways people never imagined they were capable of.
What started as a simple singalong became a songwriting journey, of self-discovery.
Which turned into a debut recording experience.
A standing ovation.
A performance in central London.
Most importantly - it led to pride, confidence, purpose, and joy.
We’re incredibly proud of every single person who contributed to Happy Shed. Their humour, energy and openness were the heart of this project. And we are incredibly grateful to them for allowing us to be a part of their journey.
You can check the full recording of ‘Happy Shed’ here 👇
If you’d like to support my charities work and help us continue making projects like this happen, you can do so here:
👉 https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/donation/togther-in-musical-expression-
Every donation helps more people have a chance to feel seen, heard, and celebrated 🧡
This article is part of a collaboration for Dementia Action Week Campaign (19-25 May) with
who publishes "Carer Mentor: Empathy and Inspiration: 'A hub of practical tools, resources, and insights. A community support network—Human-ing hard. A portal of hope.'After reading my article - 'At 99, She Wrote Her First Song.' -
reached out to learn more about T.I.M.E, and asked if I'd like to write an article for Dementia Action Week. The first article in the week long series was "Empowering People Living With Dementia" - The Brain Charity.I strongly recommend you connect with
and follow her work.
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Speak soon,
Marc
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Music is such a great tool & outlet for everyone
Great initiative 💯👏🏽 I love what you're doing here Marc ❤️🙏🏽 I'm also a musician and though I haven't performed in a while, it's nice to see artists like you making a difference 🥰