Funds given to music groups that aid people with dementia

GROUPS across Yorkshire that use music to help people with dementia have secured a share of funding to continue their work.

The Power of Music funding, under the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP), has been kickstarted with £1m from The Utley Foundation.

NASP chief executive Charlotte Osborn-Forde said it was "thrilling" to see the difference these projects can make.

And Sarah Metcalfe, of The Utley Foundation, said: “Research shows music can help people living with dementia and their families.

"More must be done to make it an integral part of dementia care."

Singing, according to the Power of Music Report, has incredible benefits both mentally and physically as well as being uplifting and fun.

Now, with £35,000 awarded to groups from York, Sheffield, Pontefract, Doncaster and Leeds, project work is to continue for three more years.

Among those to benefit are North

Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre in York, Sheffield's of Rivelin Co Creative, and Opera North.

In Sheffield, Singing in Hillsborough Park was launched around 18 months ago and now around 30 people attending, mostly aged over 60.

Linda Bloomfied, Director of Rivelin Co Creative, said it's open to all regardless of talent, natural ability or experience.

“Some of the feedback we get is amazing – people say that everyone leaves the sessions with smiles on their faces.

"For some, it’s one of the few chances they get to socialise, so it can really help people who are feeling low and isolated," she said.

In York, the money means a new drumming and singing group called Beat It can be launched together with volunteers at the local Dementia Forward.

Laura Festa, director of therapy at the North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre, said that the programme helps with all kinds of skills from cognitive to motor and also helps to prevent rapid deterioration.

“The sessions are facilitated by a qualified music therapist and involve things like rhythm games and activities that can prompt memories, helping participants to connect with their past through music," she said.

And Karen Li, trusts and foundations manager at Opera North, said its programme – Melodic Memories – involves guest artists and bespoke workshops.

She added: "It’s our belief that everyone should have access to highquality art at every age, and we’re so grateful to the Power of Music for supporting us with this grant.”