Singing by Heart 

Singing by Heart is designed especially for:

• People living with dementia or other forms of memory loss,
• Caregivers who need a supportive space to breathe and connect,
• Community members who benefit from routine, relationships, and music 

Everyone participates together. No pressure. No performances. Just shared presence. 

Dementia touches millions of families across Canada. While there is no cure, one thing consistently helps people stay connected: meaningful engagement. Music reaches places that words struggle to reach. When someone lights up during a favourite hymn or remembers a melody they haven't sung in years, you see something sacred happening. Singing by Heart creates these moments, not by accident but through attentive, relational ministry. Caregivers often tell us this program becomes a lifeline-something their loved one looks forward to, and something they can share together. 

To run Singing by Heart, you only need a small, caring team:

• A Session Leader who gently guides the singing and offers brief moments of scripture and prayer.
• A Musician (guitar, piano, or another instrument - a cappella works just as well).
• One or two Supporting Volunteers who help with handing out songbooks, hospitality, and conversation.

To support you, we provide free access to a curated Singing by Heart songbook along with training at no cost, so teams feel confident and prepared from the start.

These roles are accessible for most corps. The strength of the program isn't complexity; it's consistency, presence, and kindness.

1. Dementia Awareness - Part 1

Developed in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, this introductory session builds a foundational understanding of dementia. Your team will learn how memory changes can affect communication, behaviour, and emotions-and how to create an environment where every participant feels secure and valued.

2. Dementia Awareness - Part 2: Don't Forget Me

This ministry-focused session explores what compassionate care looks like in a church setting. It invites leaders to embody respect, presence, and dignity as they engage with participants and caregivers.

3. Singing by Heart Leaders Training

This hands-on session provides practical skills for leading Singing by Heart-from preparing your space, to guiding moments of reflection, to supporting participants with patience and kindness. Leaders learn how to facilitate an atmosphere where joy, connection, and spiritual encouragement flourish.