Music for my Mind Part of Winning Bid for New Centre of Excellence for Training in Music and Dementia
Music for My Mind is thrilled to announce that Hertfordshire has been named the latest Centre of Excellence for Training in Music and Dementia, as part of the National Academy for Social Prescribing’s Power of Music Fund. We are honoured to be part of the winning consortium, working alongside incredible partners to bring the transformative power of music to dementia care across the region.
Harnessing Music to Improve Dementia Care
Music has long been recognised as a powerful tool in dementia care, offering comfort, connection, and moments of joy to those living with the condition, as well as their loved ones. Research has shown that music can help reduce anxiety, improve communication, and stimulate memory, making it an invaluable resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals.
The new Centre of Excellence in Hertfordshire builds on the success of the first Centre established in Manchester in 2024. Led by Age UK Hertfordshire, in partnership with the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association (HCPA), Music24, Hertfordshire County Council, and other expert organisations, this initiative aims to train 6,000 care staff and create Music Champions in 100 care homes, benefiting approximately 5,800 residents. This follows on from MFMM’s care home project where we worked with over 70 families to observe the effects of personalised music listening on well-being in Quantum care homes throughout Hertfordshire.
Music for My Mind’s Role in the Initiative
At Music for My Mind, we have always believed in the profound impact of personalised music on dementia care. Our mission is to develop innovative ways to integrate music into daily care routines, ensuring that individuals living with dementia can experience the emotional and cognitive benefits of music listening.
As part of this consortium, we will contribute our expertise in personalised music interventions, helping to shape training programs that empower caregivers to use music effectively. By considering each individual’s musical preferences and history, we aim to create tailored music experiences that enhance well-being and quality of life.
A Vision for the Future
This initiative is not just about training – it’s about changing the way dementia care is delivered. By embedding music into everyday practice, we hope to create a sustainable model that can be replicated across the UK. The funding will allow us to develop, test, and scale new approaches, ensuring that more people can benefit from the therapeutic power of music.
Charlotte Osborn-Forde, CEO of the National Academy for Social Prescribing, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating:
Looking Ahead
Music for My Mind is excited to be part of this groundbreaking project, working alongside dedicated partners to revolutionise dementia care through music. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on care home residents, caregivers, and families across Hertfordshire.
Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this journey to bring music, memory, and meaning to dementia care.
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