Sigma Capital Group and Simple Life Homes have helped bring music and movement to Sight Scotland Veterans after supporting the delivery of DanceSing sessions at the charity’s Linburn and Hawkhead centres.
The companies donated one interactive workshop, a one-year subscription to DanceSing and two radios, with the support valued at £3,300. The sessions are designed to help older adults improve their physical and mental wellbeing through movement, music and mindfulness.
Veterans took part in a range of activities, from upbeat group singing sessions to more gentle chair-based exercises and yoga. The workshops gave those attending a chance to try something new, stay active and enjoy spending time together in a relaxed setting.
Mick Mears, from Glasgow, who has age-related macular degeneration and has been attending the Hawkhead Centre for just under a year, said the session gave everyone a real lift. He said it was great to see people up, taking part, singing and enjoying themselves, adding that activities like DanceSing are important in helping veterans stay active and connected.
Tommy Duffy, from East Kilbride, also living with age-related macular degeneration, said he enjoyed the session because it was different from the usual activities. He praised the staff for making things fun and said coming to the centre was a good escape and a boost for mental health.
Natalie Garry, founder and chief executive of DanceSing, said the organisation was proud to be working with Sight Scotland Veterans thanks to the support of Sigma Capital Group and Simple Life Homes. She said the centres now have full access to DanceSing’s digital wellbeing tools, with a year-long subscription allowing veterans to use the resources whenever they wish.
Niamh Waldron, Social Impact and Sustainability Director at Sigma Capital Group, said the partnership grew after meeting veterans and staff during a Speed of Sight driving experience last year. She said the veterans’ positivity and engagement left a lasting impression, leading to further visits and support for the centres.
She added that Sigma Capital Group was pleased to donate £5,000 towards the project, along with workshops, training sessions and custom DanceSing radios, helping veterans enjoy music throughout the day. She said the company looks forward to building the partnership in the months ahead and believes collaborations like this show what meaningful social impact can look like.
Sight Scotland Veterans, formerly known as Scottish War Blinded, supports armed forces veterans across Scotland who are affected by sight loss, helping them regain confidence, independence and social connections.
For more information, visit www.sightscotlandveterans.org.uk or call 0800 035 6409.