Testimonials

We first met Suzanne, along with Cliff Slack the founder of DSES, over 3 years ago in November 2017! Since then, she and her team have carried the torch for Cliff’s dream of bringing music and joy to people with dementia all over East Sussex. Cliff understood that music could very often unlock the ‘prison’ in which people with dementia sometimes feel stuck; Suzanne takes this principle and adds to it warmth, compassion and fun – and the results are pure joy to see. Her energy, vision, kindness and compassion drive DSES and, having been manager of the TN22 Plus Club in Hadlow Down, a fortnightly Activities and Companionship Club for people with mild-to-moderate dementia for over 7 years , I can hand-on-heart say that Suzanne’s sessions are the most well-received of any invited entertainers we have ever had ( and that is saying something as we have had some wonderful, professional contributors in the past). Suzanne’s professional approach and musicality is first-rate; what makes Suzanne unique is her instinctive understanding of people as individuals, and that people with dementia especially need to be acknowledged and related to as individual adults. She remembers their names, their likes, their quirks and relates to each person with warmth and plenty of eye-contact and never treats them as if they were children; her tone and approach is perfect with each person and she can draw out even the quietest or most reluctant Club member. Yes, Suzanne brings a touch of magic to our sessions that we all – and I include my large team of retiree volunteers in this – blossom and benefit from.

The icing on the cake from all this is that she and her wonderful team make no charge for their musical gifts to us and relay solely on grants and donations to keep DSES running in the way that their founder envisioned. We felt Cliff’s loss when he passed away, but I know how proud he would be of the way Suzanne has not only carried forward, but grown, his work and vision. During this past year of the 2020+ pandemic, Suzanne and her team worked with their clients to deliver ‘garden-singing’ sessions – for us, at ‘TN22 Plus Club’, that meant that she and I spent many a happy hour last summer, all over the Wealden area, singing in our Club members’ gardens, socially distanced of course, come rain or shine! And shine is the word I would like to end on.

Suzanne often ends her session with Morecambe and Wise’s ‘Bring me Sunshine’; she absolutely does – long may it continue.
Wendy Coleman, Manager, TN22 Plus Club (Engage)

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What a fantastic time we all have during your sessions.  They bring so much joy to everyone, even the staff.  What you guys do is absolute magic.

Charley Sawyer, Lifestyle Manager, Furzefield Manor Care Home, Sayers Common

 

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The DSES activities have been a fantastic addition to our care home's lifestyle program! The team brings so much enthusiasm and warmth, creating a safe and incredibly fun environment for everyone. Our residents really benefit from the gentle armchair exercises to keep them moving, but it's the music and singing that truly lights up the room. It brings back wonderful memories and gets everyone joining in with big smiles on their faces. Thank you, DSES, for the immense joy you bring to our home!

Samantha Saunders, Activity Co-ordinator, Hilgay Care Home, Burgess Hill 

 

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We are always so grateful when DSES (Dementia Singing Experience Sussex) come to visit us. The impact they have on our residents is truly heart-warming to see. From the moment the music starts, you can see faces light up, feet tapping, and voices joining in with the songs they know and love. It’s not just about singing — the residents get the opportunity to play instruments, dress up, and really immerse themselves in the experience. The sessions bring so much joy, laughter, and excitement, and it’s wonderful to see everyone so engaged and animated. For many of the residents, music brings back special memories and emotions, and these sessions create such meaningful moments for them. It’s a lovely experience not only for the residents but for our lifestyle team too, as we get to share in the fun, the laughter, and the happiness that fills the room. We truly value these visits and the happiness they bring to our home.

Thank you DSES!! 

Elizabeth Walters, Activity Lead at Heatherview Care Home, Crowborough

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Our members are always so excited when I tell them that Dementia Singing Experience Sussex (DSES) are coming ... We all love them,  the silliness, the songs,  the singalongs, the hats, the colour and Helen, Suzanne and Phil are so much fun. It's always a good day full of smiles and laughter. 

Michaela Thwaites, Haven's Happy Club Manager

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'I have never seem some of these residents laugh before, you brought life and made them smile.'

Resident, Barons Down Court, Lewes

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Dementia Singing East Sussex has been absolutely incredible. We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming Helen, Jane, Phil, and Suzanne, and every time, in every home, we have been truly blown away. Staff, residents, and relatives are always so excited to see you. 

It really is pure magic. Seeing the smiles on the residents’ faces is so special. The interactive nature of the sessions is particularly lovely, as those who may not necessarily want to get up and dance can still enjoy watching and being part of what’s happening.

The sessions truly bring the residents to life. Music is so important, and we genuinely believe it is key to unlocking memories. More often than not, it brings residents alive with singing, tapping their feet, clapping their hands, and sometimes even having a boogie.

We also use our Alexas all the time to listen to a wide variety of music, allowing residents to choose what they enjoy. Across our four homes, our residents range in age from 37 to 104, so having that variety is really important.

We are absolutely thrilled and feel very fortunate to have Dementia Singing East Sussex in all four of our homes each month.

Poppy Bellchambers, Coast Care Homes Activities Manager