Local sound project helps support people with dementia

People across Leicestershire recorded sounds to help the resource.

The local community were asked to capture and share sounds that meant a lot to them in order to create an archive of new sound recordings for Simply Sounds.

The project has now developed a unique sound resource of more than 50 recordings which can help support people living with dementia.

The aim is to trigger memories, conversations and bring pleasure through sound.

Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for heritage, leisure and arts, said: "It was a wonderful project to support the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable in the county as well as reducing any feelings of isolation during lockdown and achieved through the medium of sound."

"It was an opportunity for communities to work together for the first time. Evaluation has shown that this project has especially made a significant difference to people and their carers living with dementia."

The county council's participation team led the project after a successful bid to take part in the national Unlocking Our Sound Heritage project.  

The team called on groups and individuals across the county to create a two-minute recording of a sound that meant something to them.

Sounds recorded include children playing, dough being kneaded, tea making, a busy kitchen, a Cornish beach and the Scottish Highlands.

This work was particularly focused on getting sound from communities where the first language is not English so that the resource is beneficial across all of Leicestershire’s diverse communities.

The resource is free and available to everyone, including groups working with people living with dementia, families and carers and friends.