HOMECARE provider Right at Home runs a weekly Singing for the Mind group at the Farnham Maltings, for those living with dementia and before Christmas Right at Home owner Alastair Shanks organised a special surprise for the regular attendees.

As part of the group’s Christmas event, Alastair organised for his daughter’s school (South Farnham) choir to come along and sing.

They sang a medley of Christmas songs and then joined in with the Singing for the Mind group with The 12 Days of Christmas, Jingle Bells and many more.

There were smiling faces all around along with a few Christmas jumpers and Santa hats before the choir set off to walk back to finish their school day.

Attendees’ faces lit up as they joined in with the songs and group music. Over the past two years the group has gone from strength to strength, with nearly 40 people living with dementia and their carers now attending on a regular basis.

Mr Shanks said: “I was delighted that the school agreed to come along. I am a strong believer in the benefits of bringing children together with older people and this session was really special.

“I know that our Singing for the Mind regulars really enjoyed seeing the children sing and for the children it is great for them to be doing something in the community for their elders. I very much hope we can repeat it in the future.”