How we brighten lonely lives

Our Goldies sessions are fun social groups aimed at older isolated adults, where people come together to sing-along to the popular memory evoking music of the 50s onwards, stretch, smile and laugh. These uplifting daytime sessions bring joy and offer all important opportunities for people to create supportive friendships and links to their local community. It is important to understand that ‘Goldies’ is NOT a choir, our sessions are based on fun times where singing is at the heart, but smiling is the reason. Cliff Richard is Patron.

As a Goldies Session Leader you are responsible for providing and assisting in the development of our fun inclusive Sing&Smile sessions. Leaders will have a love of music, an enthusiastic personality with empathy and patience for those attending sessions and a commitment to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable people from local communities.

The majority of those attending Goldies sessions across England and Wales are people aged over 60. However since the charity started in 2007 the profile of those attending has changed quite considerably. Many people who attend are fairly active and able but in recent years the number of people attending who are living with dementia has increased as well as attendees with Learning Difficulties, their carers and people with mental health issues.

As a Leader you will involve everyone attending in the sessions, listening and adapting the session to suit participants mood or need through the fun sing-a-long style session. Your role is one of the most important ones within our charity as you will be the ‘face’ of Goldies and as more and more sessions are added, one of a team of over 40 leaders across England and Wales.

What makes a great Goldies Leader?

When asked about Session Leaders, Chief Officer Grenville Jones often replies; ‘There is an obvious comparison between leading a Goldies session and being an entertainment officer at a holiday camp! It is that ability to stand in front of a group of people, to engage with them, understand their needs and make them leave the session looking forward to the next one.’

Our Leaders are provided with a full set of equipment including an iPod and songbooks, or an iPad and projector and full training. Leaders can run one session per month or as many as they can fit in. Goldies sessions take place on the same day of the month - 1st Tuesday or 3rd Monday for example - and either morning or early afternoon.

Session leading is an excellent way of supporting your local community, if you're interested in the role please contact Emma at the Goldies office on 01761 470006 or email emma@golden-oldies.org.uk