St Mary’s Hospice Compassionate Community Hub in Barrow has been awarded funds from the Power of Music for its Admiral Nurse Dementia Service.

The group will receive £5,000 over three years, with the funds aimed at supporting 10 monthly Healthcare Musician led sessions in the Dementia Cafes each year.

These sessions will include hands-on music-making, song and movement, promoting interaction, and personalised responses to facilitate carers in incorporating music into daily routines.

The funds will enable the community hub to work closely with Mary Dunsford, a multi-instrumentalist with ten years of experience as a healthcare musician.

Ms Dunsford will hold sessions at the Barrow Dementia Café, designed to create connections through music, stimulate memories, share stories, and unite people in the joy of mutual music-making.

Compassionate Communities team lead, Lynsey Lawson, said: "We’re delighted that The Power of Music Fund has supported our work in this way.

"Now, thanks to funding this collaborative project will provide fun, connection and support for those with Dementia and their carers and maximise opportunities for linking with exciting musical opportunities already planned for the town but which may not have been accessible for those living with Dementia."

The Power of Music Fund, managed by the National Academy for Social Prescribing, was kickstarted with a £1 million donation from The Utley Foundation and support from Arts Council England, Music for All, as well as other donors including members of the public.

Following the recommendations of the 2022 Power of Music Report, the fund will support grassroots groups providing support via music and enhancing links with healthcare providers.

This will enable music projects to be 'socially prescribed' to individuals with dementia and their carers.

CEO of the National Academy for Social Prescribing, Charlotte Osborn-Forde, said: "We’re thrilled to have awarded St Mary’s Hospice Community Hub this funding as part of the Power of Music’s mission to deliver funds to grassroots projects as part of social prescribing, especially in parts of the country where the need is greatest.

“The money can cover basic costs such as room hire and travel, but more importantly, it will provide support for people living with dementia and their families, improving their physical and mental wellbeing and creating moments of joy and connection through music.

“The Utley Foundation has been working to make music an integral part of dementia care for ten years through its Music for Dementia campaign.”

Sarah Metcalfe, Managing Director at The Utley Foundation, echoed the sentiment.

She said: "Research shows music can help people living with dementia and their families.

"More must be done to make it an integral part of dementia care.

"The Utley Foundation was delighted to kickstart NASP’s Power of Music Fund with £1million and is thrilled that St Mary’s Hospice Community Choir is one of the first organisations to benefit so that local people can benefit.”

To get more information, visit https://www.stmaryshospice.org.uk/ and https://socialprescribingacademy.org.uk/pomfund.