An innovative partnership between Care England and Intergenerational Music Making (IMM), the project seeks to tackle loneliness and isolation, supporting those living with dementia and creating stronger, healthier, intergenerational communities across the UK.

Through music and the act of music making, sustainable and creative connections can be made which will, in turn, build stronger and more integrated communities for years to come.

Whilst life is currently filled with many challenges and obstacles, rules and restrictions Together with Music provides unique and creative ways to support those most vulnerable. Social distancing does not mean isolation.

Churches across the UK are encouraged to sign up to the programme to build on or expand links with the elders in your communities – could your youth group, choir or worship group get involved?

It starts with a Song…

The Together with Music relationship begins with the virtual exchange of a song. Our participating members record themselves playing instruments and singing songs, and the older care home residents respond in turn with their own songs in an intergenerational musical conversation.

Activities then broaden out with shared messages of hope, penpal relationships and more songs, and culminate with an intergenerational meet and greet (virtual or in person when restrictions allow) bringing the older and younger together.

It couldn’t be simpler to become a member!

• Sign up today at https://www.togetherwithmusic.org.uk/sign-up

• Await approval of your membership and introduction from your TwM Connector

• Share your song!

George’s Story

George is a resident at a care home that is part of the MHA group. MHA are wonderful at offering their residents access to music therapy and in George’s case he has been able to use these sessions to express himself and communicate to all through music.

George’s care home heard about Together with Music and signed up as a member and so began a journey of intergenerational connection…

With the encouragement and support of his Music Therapist, Lori, George wrote and performed his very own song that tells a story of what it is like to live with Dementia.

A primary school local to George’s home also signed up to Together with Music and were immediately connected together. The children were so struck by George’s song, they wanted to write and record a response back to him.

Listen to their songs below and be inspired by this meaningful intergenerational connection!

This is what Together with Music is all about – bringing the young and old together through music to create stronger and healthier communities for years to come!

Resources

TwM was recently featured on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston & Amanda Holden. You can listen to the interview here!

Why Together with Music? - https://vimeo.com/517766528

Members Songs and Stories - https://vimeo.com/519928863

Contact TwM: hello@togetherwithmusic.org.uk

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