A music group in Budleigh Salterton that encourages people with dementia to sing has been awarded £6,000 over three years.
Seachange will use the Power of Music funding to help support its music programme for its Memory Cafe, which has been running since 2018 and supports 32 members.
Sam, the group’s fundraising officer, said: "We’re delighted that The Power of Music Fund has supported our work in this way.
"Now, thanks to funding we can continue supporting those with memory loss through the power of music."
The Power of Music Fund is managed by the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) and has been kickstarted by a £1 million donation from The Utley Foundation.
It also receives backing from Arts Council England and Music for All, along with donations from members of the public.
The fund builds upon the findings of the 2022 Power of Music Report.
The report outlined the benefits that music can have for health and wellbeing – including for people living with dementia.
Charlotte Osborn-Forde, CEO at NASP, said: "We’re thrilled to have awarded Seachange 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 Utley Foundation has been striving to make music a vital aspect of dementia care through its Music for Dementia campaign.
Sarah Metcalfe, managing director at The Utley Foundation 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."
For more information, visit the Seachange website.
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