Residents at QME Care in Kelso enjoyed a truly memorable day of relaxation, connection and sensory wellbeing after welcoming Serenity Waves, whose owners generously arranged for one of their franchisees to travel to the Scottish Borders to deliver a series of complimentary therapeutic sound sessions.
Shrewsbury-based Serenity Waves is renowned for delivering immersive sound bath experiences and wellbeing events across the UK. Alongside their regular programme of public sessions, owners and directors Kevin and Derren Bimpson are passionate about giving back to local communities by offering free therapeutic sound sessions to charities and organisations supporting vulnerable people.
As part of this commitment, Kevin and Derren offered QME Care a full day of sound-based therapy. The sessions were delivered by Christine Haywood, Serenity Waves’ Northumberland franchisee, who travelled to the home on Wednesday 24th June to provide residents with a unique and calming sensory experience.
Throughout the day, residents were immersed in the soothing sounds and gentle vibrations of therapeutic gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, Koshi chimes, hand chimes and other carefully selected instruments. The carefully curated soundscape created a peaceful environment that encouraged relaxation, reduced anxiety and stimulated the senses through sound and vibration.
For people living with dementia, as well as other residents with a range of care needs, sensory experiences can play an important role in promoting wellbeing. Sound therapy helps reduce agitation, encourage relaxation, evoke memories, improve mood and create opportunities for meaningful connection. Residents who attended experienced the sessions in their own way, with staff witnessing smiles, gentle movement, quiet reflection, conversation and moments of genuine joy throughout the day.
The atmosphere across the home was one of calm, warmth and happiness. Residents, relatives and staff alike commented on the positive impact of these unique sessions, with many describing the experience as both moving and uplifting. It was a day filled with magical moments that demonstrated the power of compassionate, person-centred activities in enhancing quality of life.
At the conclusion of the visit, QME Care Business Manager, Steven Bailey, presented Christine Haywood with a beautiful bouquet of flowers as a heartfelt thank you for delivering such an exceptional experience and in recognition of the generosity shown by Serenity Waves.
Steven Bailey, Business Manager at QME Care, said:
“Welcoming Serenity Waves to QME Care was a truly special occasion for everyone. The impact of the sessions was incredible to witness. Throughout the day we saw residents smiling, relaxing, singing along to familiar sounds, engaging with one another and simply enjoying the moment. For many people living with dementia, meaningful sensory experiences like these can unlock memories, reduce anxiety and create moments of connection that words alone cannot achieve.
We are incredibly grateful to Kevin, Derren and Christine for making this visit possible. It meant so much that Serenity Waves offered their services and arranged for Christine to travel to Kelso in the Scottish Borders to spend the day with our residents.”
Christine Haywood, Serenity Waves Northumberland Franchisee, said:
“From the moment I arrived, I was made to feel so welcome by everyone at QME Care. It was wonderful to see residents responding in their own unique ways. Every session is different because every individual is different, and it’s those personal moments of connection that make this work so rewarding.
Receiving the beautiful bouquet from Steven and the team at the end of the day was such a thoughtful surprise, and I feel privileged to have been able to spend the day with such wonderful residents and staff.”
Serenity Waves owners, Kevin and Derren Bimpson, said:
“At Serenity Waves, our main focus is delivering sound bath experiences that promote relaxation and wellbeing for people across the UK. Alongside that, one of the most rewarding parts of what we do is giving back by offering sessions to charities and organisations supporting vulnerable people.
When we heard about QME Care and all the wonderful activities they host for their residents, we were delighted to arrange for our Northumberland franchisee, Christine, to visit and deliver these sessions on our behalf. Seeing the smiles, peaceful expressions and moments of connection throughout the day reminded us exactly why we are so passionate about sharing the therapeutic benefits of sound. We hope this is the first of many opportunities to support other organisations making such a positive difference in their communities.”
QME Care would like to extend their sincere thanks to Kevin, Derren and Christine and the entire Serenity Waves family for their generosity in making the visit possible. Their kindness not only brought peace, comfort and enjoyment to residents, but also highlighted the importance of innovative sensory activities in supporting people living with dementia and those receiving care.