3rd September 2024
Live Music Now is tapping its toes as a series of concerts commences across Greater Belfast in partnership with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
The project’s aim is to tackle loneliness as well as promote positive mental health and well-being among older people through engagement with the arts and is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme, funded by The National Lottery and the Public Health Agency.
Since September 2023, the charity has delivered 24 participatory concerts and 6 ambient music sessions to over 80 people living with dementia across 3 day centres within the Trust. This is alongside another 72 short music sessions for individuals who couldn’t take part in a group activity, instead receiving 1-2-1 music sessions.
Commenting on the series of concerts, Margaret Kelly, Project Manager for Live Music Now in Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be bringing music and new musicians to older people living with dementia through this pilot project with the Belfast Trust. In the weeks ahead, we will bring 8 concerts to day centres across the Greater Belfast area, using new and existing musicians from Live Music Now.
“We know already from interim evaluation that music for people living with dementia helps improve mood and encourages participation and engagement during and post the music workshops. Staff have told us how participants are happier, with many singing and taking part in the concerts, as well as how the music helps create conversation and reminiscence for many participants during and after.”
Eight concerts have been taking place over the course of the month and have been facilitated by musicians who have recently joined the Live Music Now charity. The scheme is focused on providing access to live music to older people living with dementia, facilitating social interaction and stimulating creativity among older people, alongside building capacity and skill within musicians through specialist training.
Welcoming the concerts, Paula McHugh, Arts in Health Manager in Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Live Music Now, their musicians consistently deliver high quality uplifting music within our older people’s settings, responding to the needs of the people in our care, our staff and services. Engagement in music is a particularly powerful way to support the wellbeing of those living with dementia.”
Lorraine Calderwood, Arts Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: “Thanks to The National Lottery players and the Public Health Agency, we’re delighted to support Live Music Now with this project. Research has proven that taking part in arts activities can raise self-esteem, confidence and motivation, as well as aid in relieving stress. The National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for older people to take part in arts activities, enriching their lives for the better. The arts have a vital role to play in helping our older people find their voice, bring people together and promote positive physical and mental health – funding from The National Lottery has been a game changer in helping us achieve that.”
To find out more about the Arts Council NI’s National Lottery Arts & Older People Programme, click here.
Watch our video below to see The Henry Girls performing at Knockbracken Day Centre: