Recalling Memories Through Music

Recalling Memories Through Music

The joys of music are playing an instrumental role in the lives of Cheshire’s older community, with residents and tenants at Belong care villages in Crewe and Macclesfield reliving happy memories from special life moments thanks to fun-filled music workshops designed to promote wellbeing.

The interactive sessions comprise a mix of activities incorporating a range of percussion instruments to explore rhythms and sounds from different genres and decades, all whilst benefitting the health of participants, including those living with dementia.

Delivered by West End theatre-trained Vicky Thornton of Musical Moments, the fully inclusive sessions feature tambourines, bells and maracas, and even the chance to play a ukelele. A wide variety of songs are used to meet participants’ taste in music, with favourite tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s, classical, stage, television and film all popular requests making for conversational topics and the chance to reminisce.

Belong Crewe customer, Margaret, said: “The sessions bring so much happiness and Vicky’s voice is beautiful – she really captivates us in the moment.”

Anna Seaton, experience coordinator at Belong Macclesfield, explains why music therapy forms a key part of the villages’ vibrant experiences programmes: “Music can help to unlock memories, foster feelings of connection and help our customers to regain their sense of identity.”

Jessica Butler, experience coordinator at Belong Crewe, added: “This is particularly beneficial for our customers living with dementia, with even those with little or no verbal communication able to join in.”

The group sessions provide the opportunity for companionship without the pressure of conversation or the need to pick up on social cues, with some residents instead participating by whistling to songs or dancing.

Vicky Thornton, Musical Moments franchisee for Cheshire and North Staffordshire, commented: “Music is an exceptionally powerful medium, particularly for evoking happy memories. Sometimes participants may not remember me from previous sessions, but they can recall the music.

“Everyone is very much encouraged to unleash their inner George Formby but often it's the smallest moments of engagement, like tapping their fingers or raising an eyebrow, that communicates how much they are enjoying themselves.”

Other musical highlights in Belong’s experience programmes include visiting entertainers, specialist singing and dancing workshops, as well as meet-ups for shared intergenerational activities with local schools.

Pictured: Belong Crewe customers Dorothy and Margaret enjoy a music session