Community
Jewish Care choir sings its way into the final of national talent show
The Sam Beckman Centre Choir welcomes people with memory impairment or dementia
April 10, 2024 14:46
The Sam Beckman Centre Choir welcomes people with memory impairment or dementia
April 10, 2024 14:46A Jewish Care choir for people living with memory impairment or dementia has reached the final of a national talent competition for the care sector.
The Sam Beckman Centre Choir will be performing, along with other finalists, in the Care Sector’s Got Talent show.
The choir, which comprises members of the facility and is based at Jewish Care’s Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet, will be singing on 16 April at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Tanya Miller, Jewish Care’s community hub manager in north London, said: “We are so proud of our choir members for showcasing their hard work and talent beyond our centre walls.
“The members are so excited to travel to Coventry and meet the other finalists and watch their performances. Their dedication is truly admirable, and we can’t wait to cheer them on in this national competition.”
The contest, organised by Championing Social Care, recognises remarkable talent within the care sector and gives residents, care home workers and care sector suppliers the chance to showcase their diverse acts to a live audience.
Research shows that those living with dementia can benefit hugely from music and singing in a choir, which helps to support and maintain cognitive abilities, reduce anxiety, boost confidence, stimulate memories and help support speech and language. It also allows participants to express themselves, enjoy social interaction and have fun.
Members of the centre have been enjoying the positive benefits of music and singing by taking part in the choir for just over two years.
The group performs uplifting songs for fellow centre members and their families, staff and volunteers. They also recently took part in Britain’s Got Talent and were encouraged to apply again next year.
Miller said: “It’s very important to us that we support and empower people to continue to do the things they have loved throughout their lives, as well as to enjoy learning new skills that stimulate them and help to instil confidence. This is especially vital for people living with dementia.”
Music has been a huge part of one choir member’s life since her early childhood. Rockey Goldfoot led a Habonim choir as a teenager and carried her musical profession into adulthood, where she ran her own music school and led the choir and musical appreciation group at Herzlia School in Cape Town. There, she taught countless children Israeli favourites such as the 1979 Eurovision hit, Hallelujah, and Naomi Shemer’s Al Kol Eleh. Some of Goldfoot’s pupils have gone on to become professional singers themselves, and one is now a chazan.
Rockey said: “I love being part of the Sam Beckman Centre Choir. Music is a really important part of my life.”
Her husband, Norman, added: “Rockey always listens to music and the Sam Beckman Centre has become a big part of her life. The staff there are amazing and supportive. They make people feel so comfortable and welcome.”
The Sam Beckman Centre is one of Jewish Care’s three specialist centres for people living with dementia. Open from Monday to Thursday, it is run by experienced and professional staff, working closely in partnership with dedicated volunteers, who run dementia-friendly activities. Members are able to connect with others and pursue their interests, as well as celebrate Jewish life and culture.