Director Comments
Music For Health
My working life is a happy one, so if you a woman driving a car in and around Eastbourne area with a smile on her face for no apparent reason, it’s me!!!Music For Health
Music for Health workshops are so powerful - this is especially so with Residents with severe dementia. The power of remembered songs, seeing the Residents mouths moving in sync with the songs is humbling. A Residents visitor made a point of saying that her father John never responded to anyone but totally responded to the workshops. This lady added that it was so lovely to see her dad so animated.Music For Health
Hi I'm Lin! My joy is encouraging people of all ages into laughter, fun, and experiencing a new aspect of themselves. Life is an adventure; we are each very special and we always have something wonderful to offer. I would be thrilled to share an initial 'Music For Health' workshop with you, free of charge, where we can experience together the joy of being alive through music!Music For Health
Sometimes the atmosphere of sheer joy and emotion sets my spine tingling, reminding me once again how lucky I am to do this jobMusic For Health
I have been a part of Music For Health for nearly 12 years now. I cover Hayling Island, Havant and Waterlooville areas and I visit 20 homes regularly every month. I have a mixture of care homes for the elderly and homes for adults with learning difficulties. My youngest groups are in their 20's and the oldest are in their 90's, with a few over 100. We have fun and laughter at every workshop and I love to think of all the residents and carers as friends. I think Music For Health is the best job in the world.Music For Health
It’s so lovely when I hear the residents say “here comes the music lady”. These people are all much more than just residents - they are friends. By the end of each ‘Music for Health’ session it always uplifts me to see them all brightened and happy.Music For Health
Becoming a MFH regional director was life changing for me and I believe for many of the clients I have the privilege of working with.Music For Health
I've been with Music for Health for nearly 10 years and I STILL go to work with a smile on my face. I love knowing that I've been responsible for changing resident's lives for the better by giving them an hour's fun and relaxation using the power of music. It's really emotionally rewarding, flexible work that suits my family life, and I feel that bringing enjoyment into other people's lives, just by doing my job, is a real privilege.
The beautiful music creates a sense of happiness and joy, to see the resident's join in is so rewarding for me
Music For Health
I love this job, I’m enjoying every minute. How often can you can you say that about a job?Music For Health
I love music! I really love music! How lucky to have been introduced to Music for Health. I wouldn’t say I was shy but perhaps just little conscious when first starting to introduce my workshops to residents. It’s now full swing ahead, no matter what the weather we sing and dance together. We laugh, and we cry together as music fills hearts and minds.Music For Health
I always enjoy the Music for Health sessions and I've been doing them for 10 years now! It is very special to see people who are at times very quiet and reserved, bored and even sleepy, come alive by the magic of music. There is something for everyone - music, movement, interaction, chat and laughter, all of which stimulate in a non threatening and fun way, lifting spirits - mine included!
'You are their favourite activity, they all love you - you get the biggest turn out every week.' (Brampton Lodge - been going there 10 years!)
'Aren't we lucky to be doing this?' (Dementia daycare centre)
'That's where you're different, you always change - always doing something different. They love your sessions.' ( Cornerways)
Music For Health
It is a toss-up as to who has the most enjoyment and benefit from Music for Health workshops - the Residents or me! Even the staff have been known to be disappointed if they haven’t been able to join in due to work load.Music For Health
I’m 68 and have worked in many sectors in my life but have never worked at anything that gives me so much job satisfaction as Music for Health. I really enjoy seeing the elderly people I work with treating me as a friend and opening up to the different facets of the Music for Health workshops. Also it is so satisfying when the staff of the care homes tell me that the residents look forward to MfH programmes above other entertainment or activity and of how much the workshops change the atmosphere in the home.Music For Health
I love being a member of Music for Health. I get so much fulfilment from enriching the lives of others. At the end of the day my face aches from laughing and smiling.Music For Health
I've been doing this for 8 years now, and still loving every minute! It struck me a few weeks ago, on a particularly cold & wet Wednesday afternoon, in a dreary basement (a temporary venue for a local dementia group). I couldn't park anywhere, arrived soaking wet, but within 5 minutes we were all up dancing and singing to Rock Around The Clock - what a job!Music For Health
Hello, my name is Alison Crooks and I run the Music for Health franchise in the Exeter area of Devon. I have been with MfH for almost 9 years and work mostly within Exeter, but also work within Homes at Dawlish, Crediton, Broadclyst and Rockbeare. Work takes me to a variety of homes with a variety of people ! Many have dedicated Dementia units, which although the client group is challenging to work with it is also very rewarding. I enjoy my job, which is something to be said in today's times and meeting the Residents, who want to chat and tell you about themselves is a joy.Music For Health
Running Music for Health workshops has been such fantastic job. To see how much joy it brings to residents has been so wonderful. I have currently stopped running workshops due to having a baby but I am still part of and still love being involved with the Music for Health team.Music For Health
I feel very welcome at the homes that I visit for music workshops by both staff and residents all of which I have been going to for 8yrs.
I was introduced the other day to a visitor who had been asked by staff to visit her mother whilst we were having a workshop so that she could observe how happy and animated her mother was when I was there.
Afterwards she spoke to me and said how much she had liked seeing her mother enjoying herself.She said she could see how much I enjoyed my job.
Music For Health
Music for Health can and does change peoples lives – not only the residents, their families and carers, but those of us delivering the workshopsMusic For Health
I have enjoyed bringing Music for Health workshops to Telford, Shrewsbury and surrounding area since 2009.My background is in mental health nursing and I firmly believe that there is nothing like the extraordinary power of music to lift the mood.
Mindfulness is currently extensively used to promote mental wellbeing and what could be more mindful than to lose oneself in a beautiful piece of music, even for those with limited cognitive ability due to a stroke or dementia?
Music for Health has been a ground breaking venture and continues to be the best in the field.
Music For Health
I have been running Music for Health workshops in and around Sevenoaks for nearly 9 years now, and I still love it as much as the day I began. One of the things I love most about Music for Health is that you become such an important part of so many people lives, and they all become really important to you. The residents love the music and the activities we do together but they also appreciate the laughter, the smiles and the genuine sense of enjoyment they feel coming from us workshop leaders. The music we use is so beautiful, and fun, and full of memories for the residents, and it’s a delight to share it with them.
Many people say to me that it must be wonderful to know that you are helping to make so many people so much happier, and of course that’s true. But what’s also true is how the workshops, and the residents, are able to uplift us as leaders, and if I wake up feeling a bit grumpy, I can guarantee a workshop will make me feel so much better! When a resident holds your hand, beams a beautiful smile at you and thanks you for giving them a wonderful hour, how can you not feel that you’ve got the best job in the world!
Music For Health
What Music for Health means to me:I have never felt so happy and relaxed going to work as I have since I started doing Music for Health workshops. The workshops are so active and stimulating; it is such a rewarding experience to see the happiness and pleasure that they bring to the residents of the homes I visit.
Music For Health
Sharon and I came to Music for Health from different work environments. Sharon worked in a Children's Nursery and I was employed in an administrative role with the local Social Services. We deliver the workshops, Ted, a retired Bank Manager, is trained to deliver workshops but prefers a 'back room' role.
All of us have benefited enormously from our involvement with Music for Health, you can almost say that it has been 'life changing'. Ted, Sharon and I have had some amazing experiences. Even after a really busy day, as I flop on to the sofa gasping for a cup of tea, I think about the smiles on the residents’ faces and the thanks that I receive and I am grateful for the day that I became part of the Music for Health family. Sharon completely agrees with my feelings.
Music For Health
Delivering the Music for Health workshops allows me to communicate with people from all walks of life in a fun and creative way. Its a great leveler and provides the opportunity for everyone involved to be able to (at there own pace) discover the benefits that music can bring.Music For Health
I find such great joy both in working with people, and in working with music.
Each workshop is a real journey of discovery-in terms of the sharing of individual experiences and emotional engagement.
We always say in the workshops that we all young, but some of us have been around a bit longer than others.
We all learn from each others' musical experiences and knowledge. Just wonderful!
I love how every workshop is different:-Our lovely residents and service users are such individuals, with differing skills and needs. The music we use too is very wide ranging and covers all tastes, with something for everybody, engendering individual connections to any one activity/piece during a workshop.
As I said above, every workshop is a fabulous journey of discovery for all of us!'
As Louis Armstrong once sang--- 'What a Wonderful World....Oh Yeah!'
Music For Health
Dementia is a cruel disease but seeing day after day how much joy the workshops bring to people living with dementia is so rewarding. It is like turning the light on in the dark as we come together as a group engaged in the moment with fun, laughter and emotional closeness.Music For Health
Hi my name is Colleen Williams and since November 2010 I have worked alongside my daughter Jessie Robertson in the Swindon and Marlborough area. I first heard of Music for Health whilst working as an activity co-ordinator in a nursing home and had the workshops as part of my activity programme, so already knew the therapeutic value behind it. When the franchise for our area was being sold I knew this was a wonderful opportunity for both Jessie and myself. But this is not a job it so much more than that. I have always said that we take something into the homes we visit but leave with more, a priceless feeling, knowing that we have made a difference. The workshops are stimulating both physically and mentally and we encourage whoever is in the room, staff and relatives to participate alongside the residents knowing that they will benefit too. We love what we do and we get to do it every day.Music For Health
Music is such a wonderful gift when you see people's faces light-up and they remember the words to a song. Sometimes people can find it easier to sing than speak. The workshops leave people in a much happier mood. I went to a Day Centre and this man who had been going there for months was singing and answering questions to the quiz. When I finished the workshop the Manager told me that they had hardly heard this man speak so it was wonderful to see him joining in and enjoying himself.
I find this a very satisfying and rewarding job seeing the enjoyment the residents get out of it.
Music For Health
We first brought Music for Health to the Isle of Wight in 2011. I don’t think we realised at the time the effect this wonderful medium of music would have on people of all abilities. Since then we’ve shared many happy hours of music and fun with care home residents across the island and we like to think that we’ve brought a little bit of happiness into a lot of lives. It’s certainly been fun for us. The thought, planning and structure of each Music for Health workshop is designed to benefit a wide range of conditions and over the years we have seen just how well this works. We are proud to members of the Music for Health family.Music For Health
During the 6 years I have been part of Music for Health, I have become a regular visitor to care homes in the Manchester area. I have got to know well the people who live there - and what better way is there to spend an afternoon than in the company of these friends, sharing music and laughter!Music For Health
I just love to brighten the Residents day and with the music sparking emotions, it’s very special.Music For Health
Seeing the Residents coming alive is very rewardingMusic For Health
I have been with Music for health for many years and have loved every minute of it. Not only are the workshops good fun but it is wonderful to witness the positive change it makes to residence lives. The staff always seem so happy to see me and often join in singing and dancing too. L can honestly say it is the best job I have ever done.Music For Health
A dose of medicine - is what I say I'm giving my residents each day, as I've always started my introductions saying that music, fun and laughter are our best medicine. I've been providing workshops for residents in and around Bradford for the past 6 years and can honestly say that at times it doesn't feel like a proper job. No two days are the same and the job has provided me with plenty of flexibility. It can have its challenges but if you are prepared to put in the effort you are greatly rewarded. The workshops are designed to be easy to deliver, are fun and interactive and provide you and the residents with light gentle exercise for both mind and body; what other job can do this?Music For Health
Having only ever worked in advertising and marketing, going into care homes and activity centres with Music for Health was a completely new experience for us. Now 5 years on, we're still learning new things from our clients all the time and finding as much pleasure and fulfillment in the job as we did when we started.Music For Health
It is almost impossible to describe the Music for Health workshops I deliver!
- The sessions are full of fun and laughter but include quieter more contemplative moments too.
- Residents are encouraged to participate and activities are inclusive and absorbing but if someone prefers to just watch or dip in and out of the session then that is beneficial for them too.
- They have been designed to improve wellbeing, stimulate the brain, thoughts, emotions and improve bilateral symmetry, but they are just great fun too!
- It’s something we do ‘sitting down’ but dance and movement is very much encouraged for those that would like to.
- The selection of music in each session includes something for all tastes. It can be uplifting, joyful, singalong and nostalgic but it is often moving and poignant
- Residents enjoy the camaraderie, fun and a little bit of banter with me but others, particularly those living with dementia, often benefit in subtle ways. They sing with me although they don’t usually speak, they laugh when they might otherwise be distressed, they relax when they are usually anxious.
- Whatever someone’s ‘abilities’ or preferences I have an instrument or a prop or a piece of music that will engage them
- Some residents look forward to my arrival and are ready and waiting keen to share their news with me and discuss music they may have heard or remembered since I saw them last. Others just enjoy the time we have together – in the moment.
I feel I really make a difference and that is special!
Music For Health
There is great personal satisfaction in seeing the wonderful effects Music for Health has on residents. Those with dementia who I see regularly really come alive during the sessions and even those with very limited communication ability will join in, their eyes sparkle and their smiles beam with joy. Often carers cannot believe what they are witnessing!Music For Health
When we first joined the Music for Health family it was a challenge for us as we had both come from different back grounds...but we soon built up relationships with managers carers and residents alike to the point now that when have finished our workshops and said our goodbyes there is disappointment around the room - we always leave the home buzzing and uplifted and that in turn gives us a feeling of 'job well done'. In a way Music for Health has proved to be therapy for us too.Music For Health
It’s a great job. Actually, it’s not a job at all! There is never a workshop that goes by that doesn’t bring joy to many and have special significance for someone, whether for a resident, family member, volunteer, carer or me!Music For Health
I absolutely love going to work because every day I see how Music for Health brings life and joy to the residents. I often perceive a positive shift in the atmosphere and the mood of the residents - and the staff who join in - is always lifted due to the excellent content of the workshops!Music For Health
Hello, I'm Debbie and I'm the MFH local director based around Camberley in Surrey. I currently work with a wide variety of over 30 homes, ranging from a small residential home with only 9 residents through much larger nursing homes to a day centre with 40 service users. I run workshops twice monthly, monthly or less frequently, depending on each home's requirements. Many of the residents in my workshops have dementia, and I find that MFH works really well for them. Quite a few of my residents actually ask for more modern music - and MFH workshops can cater for all tastes. My favourite recent feedback came from an elderly lady who gave me a hug and said - 'You're the best thing that's happened today'. Please give me a call or drop me an email to talk about Music for Health for your residents.Music For Health
I love the work I do - enjoying every minuteMusic For Health
As a music lover there is no better feeling than experiencing the connection music provides between people, and I get to enjoy it too with every session I do. To share residents’ emotions and their own love of music is a real privilege.Music For Health
What an excellent thing to do. Visiting nursing homes to have fun with the residents and improve their quality of life by way of music. We have been part of Music For Health for a little over 3 years and things are going really well. In the first quarter of this year the number of workshops undertaken each month increased considerably. The residents view us as their friends and at the end of each workshop we both speak to each resident individually and thank them for allowing us in to their homes. The most common comment is - when are you coming back again - not too long I hope. We enjoy it as much as they do.Music For Health
I have a new lease of life and it makes me so very happy! That is because at each workshop, I see such friendly people who queue up to join in my Music For Health Workshops. This work is a gift! Look at the feedback that I have been getting from managers and activity coordinators:-
I would like to thank you for being such a positive activity in our residents’ lives.” “The Activities Team, the Care Team and more importantly The Residents love every one of your sessions and are full of nothing but praise.” “I personally benefit from the peace of mind I get, knowing that our residents are engaged and happy when you visit.” The residents themselves remember me and are full of joy to see me. Is it any wonder that my life is now so enriched? This is the best job I have ever had.
Music For Health
I have taken Music for Health workshops in the Broadstairs area for more than three years now, and I’ve loved every minute of it. The change I’ve seen in my participants has been absolutely phenomenal - improvements in confidence, sleep quality, dexterity and memory have all been reported, while the enjoyment they garner from the activities is utterly apparent throughout! I have always been a performer, and bring a high energy approach to the workshops which residents really respond to. I’d be delighted to offer a free workshop to anyone who’d like to witness the transformation they work.Music For Health
The most enjoyable job in the world, with great benefits for the residents. Music is surely the best communicator for wellbeing.Music For Health
I have worked for Music for Health for 3 years now. It has been the most fulfilling and rewarding job that I have ever done. I have the privilege of seeing people change and begin to interact with me and each other as the wonder of the workshop unfolds. To be a part of something that brings such happiness and life is a true pleasure and I think makes me as happy as the workshops are meant to make others.Music For Health
We so enjoy sharing 'Music for Health' workshops and seeing every day the amazing results with so many of the lovely residents in our local care homes. The welcome and special bonding that results is delightful and heart-warming, not just to us, staff and visitors notice it too! Seeing them interacting with us and becoming energised and uplifted really proves the power of the workshops. We just love what we do!Music For Health
You would be amazed at the people I meet and the pleasure that both they and I get from these sessions. We have enormous fun and it is wonderful to see the enjoyment that our audiences get from taking part, whether it be the playing of instruments, the sing a longs, the music quiz or just listening and remembering.Music For Health
As someone who is passionate about the emotional well-being in the care environment it has been a privilege to share Music for Health with residents in the Worthing area. It is inspiring & fulfilling to see the power of music work its magic.Music For Health
We have been delivering Music for Health workshops for 18 months now and have enjoyed every minute! It is a privilege to meet so many wonderful residents and to know that when we leave them at the end of a session they are more alert and in a happier frame of mind than when we arrived. Our regular homes look forward to our visits and always ask “When are you coming again?” as we leave. We have had many encouraging and heart-warming comments, such as: “Music is a gift; it lifts you right up when you are feeling down”. “I love all of it, don’t ever stop coming” and “You’re the best medicine we could ever have.” The variety of music and activities keep them constantly stimulated whilst the quieter pieces give them time for reflection. The team at MFH Headquarters are always at the end of the phone to offer support and advice and continue to supply us with excellent workshops.Music For Health
Music to me has been the most important part in my life. I have always loved music from a very young age. I love how everyone can relate to a certain song or a certain style of music. I have been very fortunate to experience at first hand of how powerful music can be. I have seen music give people hope, confidence and happiness . I have only just started working for music for health and I have already seen how amazing and effective the workshops are, seeing many faces smiling and clapping and laughing with the staff and I. Music helps people and it also gets people together. And that is why I love music so muchMusic For Health
I have only been doing Music For Health for a comparatively short time, but already I can see the enormous potential for job satisfaction, from doing something that uses music to bring some happiness, laughter, fun & wellbeing into the lives of people who often don’t have a great deal to look forward to. And already in the short space of time I’ve been doing this, I have witnessed some surprising reactions and remarkable turnarounds of attitude in some of the residents, and carers that I’ve come into contact with through hosting Music For Health workshops. I’m currently very excited about what the future now holds & feel very blessed to have the opportunity to be able to do a job that's enjoyable & adds value on so many levels.