Singing by Heart

A welcoming space where music, memory, and community meet.

Originally developed by the Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, It brings people together for familiar songs, spiritual reflection, and meaningful connection. For many participants and caregivers, these sessions become a bright anchor in the week: a place where joy is shared, stories surface, and community is found.

Each gathering blends simple elements that matter:

well-known songs
live music
scripture and encouragement
warm hospitality
time for connection over refreshments

You don't need to be an expert musician. You just need a heart for people.

Who Is It For?

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.

Why It Matters?

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.

Who and What You Need

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.

Training & Preparation

To help your corps offer safe, welcoming, and dementia-friendly gatherings, Singing by Heart includes three short but essential training components. These ensure your team feels confident, equipped, and supported as they lead.

	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.

Bring Singing by Heart to Your Community

Whether your corps is large or small, this program is designed to fit your context and grow naturally with your people. With a handful of volunteers, basic equipment, and a heart for hospitality, you can create a life-giving space for neighbors and families navigating dementia.

Upcoming Training

Monday, March 2

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern

Monday, March 9

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern

Monday, March 23

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern

Acknowledgements

Singing by Heart Canada and Bermuda was developed in partnership between the Community Mission Department and Music & Arts Ministries at The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territorial Headquarters. We also gratefully acknowledge the contributions and partnership of Older People's Ministries and Music & Creative Arts of The Salvation Army UKI Territory, as well as the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, whose expertise and generosity have helped shape the development of the training and resources.