STAND release new album

Fife group Striving Towards a New Day (STAND), who support people in the Kingdom living with a dementia diagnosis, have launched a second album of music.

The group, who are supported by the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership’s Community Chest Fund, held a special event held recently at Ostler’s Care Home in Kirkcaldy to perform some of the songs.

Members of the group worked together with Edinburgh-based musician Gus Harrower and Robyn Smith once again to write and compile the songs.

Entitled Another Gift for You, the album contains songs on a range of subjects which are important to the group members.

Ruth McCabe from STAND explained: “The first album we did was such an overwhelming success that we knew it was something we wanted to do again.

“It’s such a brilliant way for people with dementia to express themselves and their feelings in a creative way.

“Gus has been amazing again and really helped us through the songwriting process and I think the finished album is a really fantastic reflection from people living with a diagnosis of dementia.”

Jennifer Rezendes, Principal Social Work Officer and Jillian Torrens, Head of Complex and Critical Care, Fife Health and Social Care Partnership got the chance to attend the launch, along with IJB member Cllr Rosemary Liewald and others invited to the event.

Jillian Torrens, said: “I really enjoyed the event which highlighted the tremendous power of music and the positive impact on people’s lives. It was fantastic to hear people’s individual stories through the lyrics and accompanied by the brilliant melodies composed by the group.

“The support that STAND provides across our local communities is simply amazing and this is another example of the range of ways they help support people and families living with a dementia diagnosis in Fife.”

Jennifer Rezendes added: “The atmosphere was so positive, and it was enhanced by the creativity in the songs written by STAND members. I found it really impressive to hear and see the members alongside the musicians and it was so impactful they way they conveyed humour, hope and loss too.”

You can listen to the new album online here: STAND - Another Gift To You (ffm.to)