Starting in April 2026, we launched a brand new choir for people living with dementia and their carer(s) at St John’s Waterloo, led by the wonderful team at Age Exchange. The choir meets on Thursdays* from 2pm to 4pm, under the direction of Age Exchange’s professional choir leader and singer, Catarina Carvalho.
David Savill, Creative Director of Age Exchange, notes:
“Music and the value of bringing music and singing to enrich the lives of the people our two charities support is something we feel strongly about. It’s going to be a joyous project that will enable everyone who joins to bring their own love of music and song to the choir and influence the songs from all genres we sing. Come along and make friends, learn to sing as one big beautiful choir and enjoy the opportunities that will come along for us to perform at fabulous London venues, including the stunning St John’s Waterloo itself!”
Euchar Gravina, Artistic Director at St John’s Waterloo and The Bridge at Waterloo, highlights the importance of the partnership:
“At The Bridge At Waterloo, we are very committed to opening the doors of our historic and accessible spaces at St John’s Waterloo (SE1 8TY) to people from our local and wider community. We particularly seek to invite projects and partnerships that bring people together and support wellbeing through creative activities.”
As a growing centre for arts and music – and as the Festival of Britain Church, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year – the partnership with Age Exchange, built around a singing group for people living with dementia and their carers, represents a fitting and meaningful opportunity to continue serving people through creativity and care.
To join this choir, make a referral, learn more about it or get the full list of choir Thursday dates, please reach out to Abigail Tripp at The Bridge At Waterloo (outreach@stjohnswaterloo.org | 07741 736 481) or Salma Hameed at Age Exchange (dementia@age-exchange.org.uk | 07729 107 520).
*The choir is scheduled to run every Thursday between:
- 16th April and 30th July 2026
- 10th September and 3rd December (half-term break on 29th October)
Singing is an integral part of the creative life of St John’s Waterloo: the New London Chamber Choir and members of the Dragon Café Singers and Streetwise Opera at Waterloo Festival 2025 (Photo: Eleanor Bentall)
Getting to St John’s Waterloo
St John’s Waterloo is accessible by bus, tube or train; the nearest stations are Waterloo Station (Jubilee, Northern, Bakeloo, Waterloo & City) and Waterloo Station East. Buses which stop nearby: 1, 13, 43, 44, 59, 68, 76, 102, 139, 172, 176, 188, 212, 276, 341, 381, C10, BL1, SL6. Parking is available in Exton Street on pay bays, Monday to Friday from 8.30am till 6.30pm and Saturday 8.30am till 1.30pm. Payment must be made by phone or app, details can be found on signs along Exton Street. After 6.30pm (1pm on Saturday) parking is free within the bays and on single yellow lines. There are no disabled bays along Exton Street. Parking is also available in car parks in York Road and Cornwall Road, details for both can be found online.
Age Exchange is a national charity specialising in person-centred reminiscence arts practice, using creativity to measurably improve the lives of those who need support. Their work begins with the individual – understanding each person’s present needs while valuing their heritage, culture and personal story.
Based at their centre in Blackheath, which welcomes around 190,000 visitors each year, Age Exchange runs groups and services for people of all ages. Their work includes a unique Creative Dementia Care programme delivered both in-house and through outreach partnerships across London and beyond. Age Exchange is currently supported by NHS South East London ICB to run four dementia projects in Lambeth.
You can find out more at: www.age-exchange.org.uk/hub-cafe/referrals
