Wigmore Hall Learning - Project

I felt connected, engaged and supported. I felt that I was being seen as myself, not defined by my diagnosis … it was an opportunity to be with others who have similar diagnoses, but without these being the focus of the group. In the past I have sometimes found professional musicians intimidating, but this was certainly not the case here.

Participant

We are so grateful for the generous funding from the Borletti-Buitoni Trust which enabled us to lead transformative and impactful activity with people living with dementia, their families and carers across our Singing with Friends choir as well as our Monday Afternoons programme for people with young onset dementia. We were also able to lead vital training and development for Music for Life musicians at a crucial time at which we were returning to in-person activity after a long time apart. This activity was vital for Music for Life participants, many of whom had been isolated and experiencing loneliness during the pandemic.

Marie-Hélène Osterweil, Wigmore Hall Learning

Wigmore Hall Learning’s Music for Life programme engages people living with dementia in musical creativity together with their families and carers. As well as increasing their sense of wellbeing and alleviating loneliness, working all together helps improve relationships and understanding.

A BBT Community Grant in 2021 supported the increasing need to connect with people who were at even greater risk of isolation due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. The programme reached them online in their homes, or in-person as and when it was possible. Music for Life musicians also benefitted from training which equipped them with additional skills that will positively impact other areas of their life and work.

Photographs by James Berry