The Power of Music - supporting people living with dementia

This week, 16 – 22 May 2022, we’re putting the spotlight on Dementia Action Week; an awareness campaign led by Alzheimer’s Society encouraging people to ‘act on dementia’.

Music is a positive way to support people with dementia. We work closely with communities in South Bristol to provide Our Music Club – weekly music sessions to bring creative activity and live music to people living with dementia, along with their carers and families and supporters.

Music to improve our health

We were pleased to see the connection between music and positive mental health reflected in the recently published ‘Power of Music’ report from Music for Dementia and UK Music. It sets out a plan for harnessing music to improve our health, wellbeing and communities.

Research in the report suggests that “music interventions were linked to meaningful improvements in wellbeing and the effects seen were similar whether participants sang, played or listened to music.”

People who engage with the arts are more likely to lead healthier lives

Power of Music Report 2022

By offering our weekly music sessions, providing staff care and transport through Our Music Club, we aim to make ‘meaningful’ action on dementia while providing a sense of community.

How we’re using music to enhance quality of life in South Bristol

We are working alongside the Dementia Wellbeing Service to support for people living with dementia, along with their carers and families.

The weekly music-making group, Our Music Club, utilises music to enhance the quality of life of South Bristol residents by experiencing and making music together. Supported by three professional musicians, sessions provide joyful and connective times for people to be together in the present.

Since September the group have learnt and written songs that Bristol Beacon music practitioners bring or songs that participants suggest, created soundscapes, danced, conducted, played games and even played alongside a member of the royal family!

Our Music Club sessions are supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Grateful Society, the Anchor Society and St. Monica’s Trust.