The Beating Hearts of Lismore is a newly established, volunteer-led, grassroots initiative that invites older residents in the community to come together weekly and sing, move and socialise.

This weekly gathering aims to provide an ongoing, free, fun social gathering for older people living in Lismore and surrounds, particularly those people living with age-related conditions such as dementia or Parkinson's disease and/or members of the community experiencing social isolation, disconnect or emotional trauma after the 2022 catastrophic floods and COVID lockdowns in recent years.

Initiated by Rachel Jones, a local geriatrician and entirely volunteer-run, Beating Hearts of Lismore offers a wonderful morning out for older people free of charge. It began when Rachel recognised the need for stimulation amongst the ageing population she was treating and was inspired by a group in Grafton running a similar community gathering to create something in Lismore.

They meet at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club on Monday mornings, with complimentary tea and coffee provided by the club and morning tea provided by the volunteers. Thomas George also donates a slab cake for each session. 

Morning tea runs for half an hour, with volunteers distributing name labels to help with interactions, and then the songs start. Along with a musician playing classic songs that the attendees are familiar with, someone demonstrates hand and body movements that participants can follow. There are now up to 50 people attending regularly.

Occasionally, Beating Hearts of Lismore arranges a school to come and visit with the group, providing valuable inter-generational connections that have the older people smiling from ear to ear and singing with all their might. Janelle Saffin, who has been a supporter since Beating Hearts of Lismore began, also joined in on the group a few weeks ago.

The Lismore App spoke with Shirley Cochran, a volunteer organiser, who shared about the impact the initiative has on the elderly attendees.

"One gentleman who is blind and has dementia is now getting up and singing for us. He has come out of his depression. Two older ladies who did not know each other have become friends and go out for coffee together. It's really amazing."

Beating Hearts of Lismore is currently at the top of the polls for the Greater Bank's monthly community grant (7 days of voting to go), along with Friends of the Koala and Lismore Craft and Quilters. Beating Hearts of Lismore hopes that with additional funds, they can continue to provide their free sessions, along with a yummy morning tea, provisions of miscellaneous items, e.g. folders/paper and bus hire fees to bring small schools along. You can vote for them here. 

Beating Hearts of Lismore is open to all people over 65 years and warmly welcomes newcomers. They meet on Monday mornings at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club.