Care homes and schools connect through music

Together With Music will reduce the isolation created by coronavirus restrictions by linking hundreds of care homes to local schools and youth groups through the power of music and the internet.

The initiative, launched by Care England and Intergenerational Music Making (IMM), will strengthen and build upon links between education, health and community organisations.

Music will act as a conduit for sharing cultural heritage, providing a physical and emotional bond and enhancing individual identity for the young and old.

Both the care home residents and young people will share songs that are meaningful to them with each other. This musical introduction will act as a vehicle into further connection, creativity and stronger community links across England.

Professor Martin Green, CEO Care England: ‘Care homes are especially mindful of the need to consider the emotional and spiritual well being of residents whilst restrictions are in place to protect them from Covid-19.

‘This project will bring a ray of sunshine to thousands of lives and help counter feelings of isolation during the winter months.’

Launch care provider partners include Barchester Healthcare, Hallmark Care Homes and MHA.

Sam Monaghan, CEO MHA said: ‘Music in people’s lives is so important, something we recognised when we pioneered music therapy for people living with dementia in our care homes.

‘It has life-enhancing results, lifting spirits, helping reduce anxiety and impacting positively on the lives of our residents.

‘In addition, linking generations through the medium of music helps create bonds at a time when face to face contact is not always possible, which is why we are so proud to be a part of the campaign.’

The project has been made possible with funding from Tunstall Healthcare and the Hallmark Care Homes Foundation along with supporting contributions from Oomph!, Zenergi and CoolCare.

Avnish Goyal, chair of Care England, Hallmark Care Homes and the Hallmark Foundation: ‘We are delighted to be involved in this initiative, music plays a huge part in all of our lives and has so many benefits for people living with dementia.

‘We are sure this campaign will spread a lot of joy this winter and further strengthen the great relationships we have with our local communities.

‘We are looking forward to seeing the impact this work will have in the coming weeks.’

For more information email: hello@togetherwithmusic.org.uk or phone 01483 851980

Photo Credit – Pixabay