Dementia Action Week
This week is Dementia Action week so we thought that we would highlight a fantastic local project which we are delighted to have been able to support through the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund for Adults.
‘Songs from Here’ is a project run by Acorn Shed Music which provides interactive creative activities for carers of people living with dementia and the person they care for. People are encouraged to share their stories and highlight issues that are important to them and then collaborate to write songs about these shared experiences.
Acorn Shed Music is an arts organisation and was established by Pauline Walmsley and Carol Beckwith in East Dunbartonshire in 2017. They set out with the aim of finding ways to use group songwriting to explore difficult conversations. They are passionate about promoting better health and wellbeing through storytelling and songwriting, and their aim is to amplify unheard voices. Acorn Shed Music partnered with Ceartas Advocacy and spoke with people who attend their local De-café’s who are affected by a dementia diagnosis. Pauline Walmsley said “people told us they want and need to talk more about this 'scary' subject of dementia in a safe and inclusive environment and help reduce the stigma associated with it.”
The Songs from Here sessions encourage peer support and promote a dementia friendly environment, which leads to greater connections, reduces loneliness and isolation and improves mental well-being for people, within their local community.
Over the last year 26 people have taken part, along with four volunteers; there are twice monthly interactive creative workshops which then lead onto enhanced writing & composition days, as well as recording sessions & performances.
Pauline Walmsley said “We are so proud of the way people support each other at 'Songs from Here', often when they themselves are having a difficult time. We have developed from a group of strangers into a community of people with a shared experience of life around a dementia diagnosis. People all go above and beyond to reach out to each other and put smiles on the faces of those around them with their songs.”
You can find out more about ‘Songs from Here’ and other Acorn Shed Music projects by visiting: https://acornshedmusic.co.uk/
Acorn Shed Music will be presenting ‘Transitions’, an afternoon of music brought to you by ‘Songs from Here’ exploring experiences of people living with dementia and their carers. Transitions is on Tuesday 9th of June, 2-3pm at Bishopbriggs Community Church (doors from 1.30pm) All are welcome.
Flyer for the performance of transitions on the 9th of June 2026
