Who We Are
Suzanne is a professional singer, actor and dancer and has worked extensively in theatre, film and TV for over 20 years. Suzanne started working for DSES back in 2015 after a fateful meeting with the wonderful DSES Founder/Principal, Cliff Slack. Cliff's passion and enthusiasm to help those living with dementia was shared with Suzanne and together they have expanded the charity to reach out to as many people as possible in the Sussex area. Suzanne still wonders in the power that music has over those living with dementia and she will never tire of seeing her clients faces light up when a certain favourite song is played! Suzanne is now Principal of DSES, and after securing charity status last year hopes to take this wonderful service from strength to strength.
Helen has over 25 years experience of working professionally in Musical Theatre in London, Paris and touring the UK.
Her love of music and dancing is apparent during her movement and music sessions.
Helen, who is also a vocal coach and runs her own Theatre school, THEATRIX in Rottingdean,
has a great deal of experience in seeing the joy that music and song can bring, the effect it can have on a person's mental health and the memories it can evoke.
She thoroughly enjoys her work for Dementia Singing Experience and is passionate about raising awareness for this area.
There is nothing she enjoys more than encouraging someone out of their shell though the wonder of singing and believes that anybody can and should sing and whether old or young, on pitch or not, as the health benefits of singing are endless.
Since Gemma gate-crashed a ballet class, aged two, music, song and dance has been one of the most important things in her life. Sharing that love with people from all backgrounds has been a constant joy and practice. As a professional actress and singer since, she has enjoyed working in theatres across the UK and combined this with a teaching and coaching practice, working with people from 4 to 102!. Working with Dementia Singing Experience has added a new delight to her life. Witnessing the joy and vitality that lights up the room during the sessions is priceless.
Jane has always enjoyed performing! She loves to make people happy! Jane attended the Jacqueline Storey Theatre School and Shandy Stage School when she was younger. She worked as a singer in Spain and has had the pleasure of working with several function bands and duos! Jane currently sings at Carehomes, Social Clubs and hotels! She really enjoys what she does!!
Lucy has a degree in Graphic Design from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, and an MA in Inclusive Arts Practice from University of Brighton. She has worked as a freelance designer and artist facilitator for over 20 years.
Lucy passionately believes that everyone is instinctively creative, and has the power to communicate through the artistic process. She is experienced working creatively with people in the late stages of dementia, in care home settings and day centres. Her creative practice is centred around the principles of working in the moment, fun, imaginative, sensory and non-verbal practice. Lucy is a Dementia Friends Champion, and a certified Timeslips Facilitator, she has completed Early-stage Dementia Awareness Training for arts facilitators with Arts 4 Dementia.
Lucy is currently running creative sessions online with groups she supports, and also runs one to one online creative and storytelling sessions.
Local artists Marisa and Sarah are The Painted Ladies. This creative duo joined forces during
lockdown to embark on a number of community-based murals, including a hospital and local care
homes. They have also collaborated with Lucy on other public health/art based projects.
Prior to this Sarah ran a successful business for over 5 years taking art sessions into care homes and
day centres across Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings. Marisa has a fine art degree and met Sarah
whilst embarking on her own similar art business, they hit it off immediately over tea, cake and their
love of cats!
They have now joined us at DSES to bring their fun and creative sessions into Day centres across the
county. Clients can enjoy exploring and expressing themselves in a fun and informal art session,
using a variety of art materials.
“We are delighted to be able to create an enjoyable atmosphere and build the confidence of those
that are reluctant to try art activities. We show them simple, accessible techniques so they can
enjoy the process of making and to help them create something beautiful that they can be proud of."
