A SINGER/songwriter has joined with musicians from across the Forest to make an album for a music charity.

Charles Scott, who lives near Blakeney and performs as Dion Charles, has written all 12 songs on Mindsong, which was recorded by himself and more than 30 local musicians and singers.

Funds raised from its sale will help the Gloucestershire charity of the same name, which works with some 400 volunteers bringing therapeutic music to people with dementia.

The music was recorded at several studios, including at Berry Hill Studio, Darkhill Studio in Coleford and the Fiona Taylor Studio in Crooked End.

And Charles, a Mindsong volunteer co-ordinator who organises musicians to sing regularly with the residents of nine Forest care homes and Dora Matthews House in Coleford, said: “Mindsong is all about the therapeutic value of music and it has two main arms.

“One is clinical, with HCPC registered music therapists working on a one-to-one basis with people who have complex dementia and their partners and carers in their own homes, and also in care homes and hospitals.

“The other arm puts teams of trained volunteers into care homes to sing with the residents, providing dementia sensitive music. This strand of work is called Meaningful Music.

“I have written all the songs for this album and have involved local talent in recording the tracks,” added Charles.

“It has been a community project and well over 30 local musicians and singers have been involved, plus the internationally acclaimed Celtic harp player and vocalist, Pauline Vallance from Scotland, who heard about the project and offered to contribute.

“Three of the tracks are specific to those living with dementia. The title track Mindsong and The Songs We Used to Share have lyrics relevant to the relationship between those with dementia, their partners/carers and the volunteers who sing with them.

“I’m Going Home relates to someone living with dementia who is nearing the end of life and is singing to their partner telling them not to be sad.

Pproceeds from the sale of the CD are going to the Mindsong charity, and it can be bought at www.caffoot.com/music/mindsong-var ious-artists-sing-the-songs-of-dion-charles

More information about Mindsong’s work can be seen at www.mindsong.org.uk