The spotlight is shining on The Jewish Care’s Sam Beckman Centre Choir as they successfully sang their way into the finals of Care Sectors Got Talent, a national competition organised by Championing Social Care. The event recognises remarkable talent within the care sector.
The finals, which are taking place on the 16th April at Coventry Building Society Arena, are a fantastic opportunity for anyone from all corners of the care sector, including residents, care home workers, and care sector suppliers to showcase their unique and diverse acts to a live audience.
Members of Jewish Care’s Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia, based at The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet, have been enjoying the positive benefits of music and singing, by participating in The Jewish Care’s Sam Beckman Choir for just over two years.
Their recent performances have seen the choir perform uplifting musical renditions to fellow centre members and their families, staff, and volunteers.
Tanya Miller, Jewish Care’s Community Hub Manager in North London, said, “We are so proud of our Choir members for showcasing their hard work and talent beyond our centre walls all the way in Coventry, where they are finalists at this years Care Sector’s Got Talent competition. The members are so excited to travel to Coventry and meet the other finalists and watch their performances. Their dedication is truly admirable, and we can’t wait to cheer them on in this national competition!”
Tanya continued, speaking on the benefits music can have to those living with dementia, “Research has shown that music and singing has huge benefits for people living with dementia. It helps to support and maintain cognitive abilities, reduce anxiety, boost confidence, stimulate memories, help maintain speech and language as well as allowing people to express themselves, enjoy social interaction and have fun, which our members most definitely do!
“It’s very important to us that we support and empower people to continue to do the things they have loved throughout their lives, as well as to enjoy learning new skills that stimulate them and help to instil confidence, this is especially vital for people living with dementia.”
Music has been a huge part of one choir member’s life since her early childhood. Rockey Goldfoot led a Habonim choir as a teenager and carried her musical profession into adulthood where she ran her own music school and lead the choir and musical appreciation at Herzlia School in Cape Town. Some of Rockey’s pupils have gone on to become professional singers themselves, and one is now a Chazzan.
Speaking about the choir Rockey said, “I love being part of the Sam Beckman Choir, I led large school choirs in Cape Town and music is a really important part of my life.”
Rockey’s husband, Norman added, “Rockey always listens to music and Sam Beckman has become a big and very important part of her life. The staff there are amazing and supportive, they make people feel so comfortable and welcome.”
Rockey taught at Herzlia School in Cape Town, where she taught countless children the Israeli favourites such as the 1979 Eurovision hit, ‘Hallelujah’ and Naomi Shemer’s ‘Al Kol Eleh’.
Jewish Care’s Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia, based at The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet is run by experienced and professional staff working closely in partnership with dedicated volunteers to give a warm, friendly atmosphere with dementia-friendly activities. adapted to include everyone in an interesting, creative and varied programme. Members can connect with others and pursue their interests as well as celebrating Jewish life and culture, whilst being care for and supported. The Centre is one of Jewish Care’s three specialist centres for people living with dementia and is open from Monday – Thursday.