Northamptonshire dementia choir receives King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Dementia Sings Out (DSO) has been handed the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour a voluntary group can receive.

The Wellingborough-based charity began in 2019, giving those living with dementia the opportunity to find community, and support, all while rediscovering the magic of music.

Now, it has been recognised for the extraordinary contribution of its volunteers, who donate more than 3,000 hours each year to supporting people living with dementia and their carers.

The prestigious award, known as the MBE for volunteer groups, comes as the charity celebrates growing demand for its free singing sessions. Music has an ability to give a voice to those with dementia, unlocking memories and encouraging movement and speech for those who may have become non-verbal or experienced reduced mobility as a result of the condition.

This, coupled with the charity’s welcoming and inclusive sessions, means those living with the condition are able to find a voice again.

Garry Bowe, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Dementia Sings Out, said: "We are absolutely delighted.

“This award means the world to us because it's a celebration of the incredible people who make DSO what it is. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of this charity. They give their time so generously, but it's their warmth, kindness and genuine care for every person who walks through our doors that makes DSO so special.

"We often talk about the DSO magic, and it's hard to put into words until you experience it. It's the smiles, the laughter, the friendships and those wonderful moments when music reaches someone in a way that words sometimes can't. We're one big family, and we couldn't be prouder!"

Recipients of the award were announced today (November 14), with Dementia Sings Out on the list, being granted the highest award possible for local volunteer groups.

For one daughter who cares for her mother, the impact of DSO is particularly personal. They said: "What I love about Thursday mornings is that I get my mother back for an hour."

A choir member added: "Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, I have made so many friends. Music is good for the soul and brain and it really helps me and lifts my mood."

Dementia Sings Out has been growing rapidly in recent years, with 9,062 attendances recorded at DSO's Wellingborough sessions in 2025. The charity has recently expanded into Northampton to now offer free weekly singing sessions in both Wellingborough and Northampton via Zoom or in-person.

Funding for the charity includes grants from The National Lottery Community Fund and Northamptonshire Community Foundation, alongside other fundraising and donations from local people.

The King’s Awards for Voluntary Service were established in 2002 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, and recognises outstanding volunteer-led organisations who make a significant, positive difference within their communities.

Peter Bason MBE, an assessor for The King's Award for Voluntary Service, added: “In my assessment, Dementia Sings Out demonstrates qualities that can properly be described as exceptional.

"The impact achieved through its volunteer-led model is outstanding. The structured use of singing as a therapeutic tool delivers consistent wellbeing benefits, restores confidence and reduces isolation for people living with dementia, while providing meaningful peer support for carers."

Finally, a regular choir member said: “I don't know if the organisers and volunteers are aware of just how much difference they make to us all and how much of a positive impact this group has on our mental health.

“Living with dementia can sometimes be very difficult but being able to come to a social group, that isn't like any other, helps our social skills improve and we can leave the outside world behind for a short while.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

More information about Dementia Sings Out, the work they do, and how to get involved can be found online here.