Charity-supported orchestra working to transform lives of dementia patients through the power of music.
In a groundbreaking move, Greater Manchester has been designated as the UK's first Centre of Excellence for Music and Dementia. This designation, hosted by the British chamber orchestra, Manchester Camerata, aims to revolutionise dementia care in the region.
Mayor Andy Burnham, who has personal experience with dementia, having seen his father go through it, emphasises the importance of this initiative. He believes that rethinking health in the 21st century requires more social interventions and a bigger role for the arts, particularly music.
The Centre of Excellence will receive over £1 million in funding, jointly committed by Mayor Andy Burnham, the Power of Music Fund, and NHS Greater Manchester. This funding will allow Manchester Camerata and the Alzheimer's Society to continue their music therapy programs 'Music in Mind' and 'Singing for the Brain'.
A volunteer and community workforce of 300 'Music Champions' will be trained to deliver the Music Cafes. These programs offer musical support to people living with dementia, aiming to improve their quality of life and reduce the need for health and care services.
The research and data analysis by the University of Manchester will demonstrate the impact of bringing music support into dementia care. This research could potentially provide a model for rollout across the UK, helping to save costs for the NHS.
With over 940,000 people currently living with dementia in the UK, and projections of over 1 million people with dementia by 2025 and nearly 1.6 million by 2040, the need for innovative approaches like this Centre of Excellence is more pressing than ever.
The annual cost of caring for people with dementia in the UK is over £34 billion. By alleviating pressure on frontline healthcare staff and providing effective care through music, the Centre of Excellence could make a significant impact.
The Centre of Excellence will allow music provisions to be expanded to more locations within Greater Manchester. This will result in four weekly music cafes (two 'Music in Mind' and two 'Singing for the Brain') being run in each of the 10 Greater Manchester boroughs.
In collaboration with the Alzheimer's Society and the University of Manchester, Manchester Camerata will conduct data-driven research on the impact of music sessions for people living with dementia. The findings from this research could pave the way for further advancements in the field of music and dementia care.
This Centre of Excellence marks a significant step forward in the fight against dementia, demonstrating the power of music and community engagement in improving the lives of those affected by this condition.
