The Smiling Sessions are participatory singing workshops for the elderly people of East London who are based in care homes or sheltered housing schemes. The sessions encourage song, laughter, friendship and story-telling, that reviving and warming the hearts of an isolated part of society that badly needs support, acknowledgement and inclusion.

As a result of seeing The Smiling Sessions in action over two years and the immediate/short term effects the singing and music has on their residents, we are keen to work more closely with our partners to develop the project on a longer-term basis, focusing more on residents with severe dementia. East London has many deprived areas and being able to deliver this activity on a regular basis will result in better health and well-being, improved confidence and new or stronger friendships.

It is proven that regular singing can: improve health, thus reducing medication and costs; improve memory and focus; improve self-esteem; create stronger bonds and new friendships