“Live music is life enhancing for our residents”

Lakeside House in Cardiff recently enjoyed our live music for the first time since before the pandemic with musician Richard Robling. Activities Coordinator Susan Carrick speaks about how important music is to their residents.

“Music plays a very important part in our life at Lakeside. Each resident has their own playlist created from their choice of music. It is not unusual for residents and staff to burst into spontaneous song at any time of the day.

When a new resident arrives they may feel worried by the unfamiliar surroundings, so playing their favourite music helps put them at ease. Supporting residents living with dementia requires patience, empathy, a gentle and kind nature and a good sense of humour. Someone may be calm, contented, happy, but also anxious, angry, sad, scared, confused and vulnerable.

Live music is life enhancing for our residents. I have seen first hand how a quiet resident who doesn’t communicate very much will light up and sing a song word perfect. It really is a joy to witness.”

Student Volunteering Week: Molly

It’s Student Volunteering Week, and we’re celebrating the important role student volunteers play in helping us share the joy of live music with communities across the UK.

Children’s Mental Health Week: Reuben’s Retreat

We’ve been sharing the joy of live music with children, their families and staff at Reuben’s Retreat in Glossop. The sessions are designed to soothe and support children with life limiting illnesses and offer an opportunity for families to connect with others who understand their experience.

Special live music for Burns Night

Burns Night celebrates the poems and songs of Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns and his lasting legacy. Our musician John Davidson is sharing two special live music experiences at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen to commemorate the day.