Lyle’s Local Fund 2025: Bonny Downs Community Association

Update on one of our 2025 Lyle’s Local Fund projects

Every year, the Lyle’s Local Fund provides grants of up to £5,000 to local organisations helping make Newham a healthy, safe and prosperous place to live and work. This year, funding from the Lyle’s Local Fund and the Power of Music Fund is enabling Bonny Downs Community Association (BCDA) to run a weekly dementia-friendly choir and chair yoga session called Sing and Stretch.

“It’s a lifeline”

That’s how one woman described the group.

After a period of ill health left her feeling isolated at home, a friend suggested she give Sing and Stretch a try. Since joining, she’s found friendship, support and something to look forward to every week.

Many of the people who attend have similar stories. Some are living with the early stages of dementia, some are carers, and others simply enjoy having a place where they can spend time with people who understand their experiences.

The afternoon starts with singing. Led by dementia-friendly trained facilitators Fen and Carla, the choir is packed with familiar songs, plenty of laughter and lots of conversation. Attendees are encouraged to suggest songs and share the memories they bring back – one Elvis Presley track sparked a story about the year someone got married.

The singing is followed by tea, coffee and a chance to catch up. In fact, the choir is so popular that organisers sometimes struggle to end the singing because everyone wants “just one more song”.

The session finishes with gentle chair yoga led by Fiona, a psychologist who works on a dementia ward. Starting with breathing exercises and a short meditation, the group then moves through simple stretches and movements designed to help people relax and unwind. Many attendees say they leave feeling calmer and often sleep better that night.

Sing and Stretch grew out of an earlier pilot programme run by BCDA and the East London NHS Foundation Trust for people living with dementia and their carers. Singing and chair yoga quickly became two of the most popular activities, so BCDA decided to create a regular session focused on bringing people together through music and movement.

The choir has even been accepted into The Old Vic’s 12 Choirs Project, bringing together community groups and primary schools to perform in a free, festive concert at The Old Vic in December.

Alongside Sing and Stretch, BCDA offers a range of support for older residents, including social activities and free confidential advice for those experiencing challenges such as financial hardship, housing issues, transport difficulties or bereavement. To get involved in BCDA’s activities, find out more on their website.

One of the aims of the Lyle’s Local Fund is to support the organisations that bring people together and strengthen communities across Newham. Projects like Sing and Stretch do exactly that. Whether it’s sharing a favourite song, enjoying a chat over a cup of tea or taking part in gentle exercise, the group helps people stay connected, active and supported in their local community