A weekly singing group in Seaforde has reached its fifth year, offering a space for people with dementia and their carers to socialise and connect over music. Seaforde Melodies meets at Seaforde Presbyterian Church Hall and is attended by local families.

Mary McGivern, 99, from Ballykinler, attends with her daughter Anna-Maria. Anna-Maria said her mother looks forward to the cup of tea and the routine and socialising. She noted that neither of them sing but that as a group the sound is better.

Pauline Kelly, a senior practitioner at Clough and Dundrum GP Surgery with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, said the group has supported more than 40 families over five years. She said it is a joy to see families attend every week and that people leave feeling happier than when they came in.

Local singer and songwriter Edelle McMahon leads the sessions. McMahon said from the first session in Murlough House the group was packed and became an instant community. She said music is embedded in the culture and singing together reinforces community bonds and helps people relax. She said a dementia diagnosis can shrink a person's social circle and that the group provides a way to meet people facing similar challenges.

The group can be contacted through Pauline Kelly at Clough and Dundrum GP Surgery on (02844) 812 727.