An exciting new partnership Lost Chord UK and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue “Community Chorus “
Lost Chord UK, the beloved charity that has spent 25 years using the power of music to uplift the lives of people living with dementia and neurological conditions, has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (SYFR). This exciting collaboration is making waves across Sheffield and beyond, with news of the initiative being picked up by prominent outlets such as The Sheffield Star, Yorkshire Post, Sheffield Mercury, Time Out, Sheffield Telegraph, and Rotherham Advertiser.
In addition, it made the front page of the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s website, where SYFR expressed excitement about the collaboration:
“Music can be such a powerful tool in reaching vulnerable people and we’re really looking forward to working with Lost Chord to ensure people with dementia are kept as safe from fire as possible.”
The idea behind this unique alliance was born from a need to safeguard public donations while continuing to serve Sheffield’s community. It all began when Lost Chord UK volunteer Anna Ashwell reached out to SYFR in hopes of finding a cost-effective venue for the charity’s much-loved “Tea and Tunes” sessions, previously held at the iconic Crucible Theatre. These sessions, designed for people with dementia and their carers, offer not just music but moments of connection, joy, and community—a true lifeline for many.
What Anna didn’t realise was that Peter Jones, the SYFR representative she contacted, had a personal connection to dementia and was already passionate about safeguarding the lives of vulnerable people. After attending the final Lost Chord session at the Crucible and experiencing the uplifting impact of the music firsthand, Peter and Lost Chord UK’s CEO, Jean Collingwood, got together and saw the potential for a unique collaboration that would bring together the expertise of both organisations.
The partnership quickly evolved beyond simply offering a venue. Together, Lost Chord UK and SYFR developed the Community Chorus—a series of dementia-friendly music sessions infused with fire safety messages, designed to entertain, educate, and, potentially, save lives. By integrating SYFR’s safety messaging into the lively, interactive music sessions, Lost Chord UK’s musicians can help raise awareness about fire risks, creating a fun yet impactful way to promote safety.
“We believe this collaboration is the first of its kind in the UK,” says Jean Collingwood. “By merging SYFR’s community safety goals with our mission to improve well-being through music, we’re creating an initiative that serves both the hearts and minds of Sheffield’s residents. We’re thrilled to see where this journey takes us, especially as we envision the potential for a true ‘Fire Choir.’”
Lost Chord UK’s Community Chorus sessions are open to all and free to attend. These sessions will be held at the SYFR Training and Development Centre in Handsworth, with the first session scheduled for Monday, October 28th. Additional sessions will follow on Friday, November 15th, and Monday, December 9th, each running from 1-2 PM.
Whether you’re interested in music, looking for an opportunity to socialise, or simply want to engage with the Sheffield community, the Community Chorus offers something special for everyone. And with the partnership between Lost Chord UK and SYFR, you might even walk away with valuable fire safety knowledge—delivered in the most harmonious way.
This partnership exemplifies how community organisations, can work together to address both immediate needs and long-term safety, providing a model of innovation that could inspire similar initiatives across the UK.
For more details, check out our Community Diary at [Lost Chord UK’s website](www.lost-chord.org.uk). Don’t miss this chance to be part of something innovative and life-changing!
