Member Article

Age UK in tune with music charity

A local charity is hitting the right note after joining forces with a music charity to organise a programme of performances in the region.

Age UK North Tyneside’s Dementia Service, which provides activities and support for people living with dementia and their carers, has secured funding with Music in Hospitals to organise 16 music performances that will run from July to December.

The solo artist or group will deliver an interactive, one-hour live performance in their specialist genre, engaging with people with dementia to help stimulate their memories and improve their quality of life.

The concerts will cover an eclectic mix of genres, including classical music, swing, popular songs and traditional folk, and will take place in Age UK North Tyneside’s Wellbeing Centres at Cedar Grove, Wallsend and Linskill Park, North Shields. These events will be open to all Age UK customers but particularly targeted at those with dementia.

Jane Lamont, Dementia Service manager at Age UK North Tyneside, said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve secured funding for this exciting community project, which will bring joy to dozens of people throughout North Tyneside and surrounding areas.

“I’ve been lucky enough to attend one of these performances previously and I’m delighted that we can showcase the talents of great musicians from the North East and beyond.”

Music in Hospitals organises around 4,500 interactive live music concerts each year across the UK for people receiving care or treatment for an illness or disability. It has forged a growing network of professional musicians who perform in hospitals, hospices, care homes, day centres, community centres and specialist schools.

Alison Forbes, North East development officer for Music in Hospitals, said: “We’re delighted to work with Age UK North Tyneside and provide a programme of concerts for older people, including those with dementia, living in the area.

“Our outreach concerts bring together people who perhaps are feeling isolated for a fun and engaging live music event. Family members and carers are more than welcome to come along and join in the fun.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Narrative Integrated Communications .