A Manchester orchestra has taken its care home music sessions online, as staff and families sing the benefits for memory and wellbeing
Until March, the Manchester Camerata Orchestra had been bringing music, improvisation and joy into the lives and hearts of care home residents, including those with dementia, via its award-winning Music in Mind project for eight years. Its nine musicians and two music therapists had delivered 15 weekly sessions in 20 local residential homes. Then Covid struck, followed by lockdown, and Music in Mind stopped, much to the dismay of everyone involved, including the 300 participating residents. But the Camerata is now piloting a remote resource offering backing tracks, Zoom feedback, extra activities and mentoring, so care staff can continue the vital, interactive work.
Karen Sykes is the activities’ co-ordinator at one of the eight care homes piloting MiM remote. It has allowed her to keep up the music twice weekly on her own at Cleggsworth House in Littleborough, Rochdale. She enhances some of the residents’ experience with her new, self-taught ukulele skills. For Sykes, the remote platform and online weekly support are a blessing.
