This was a three month project funded by the Cheshire Music Partnership, providing music sessions within day care centres whilst providing training opportunities for volunteer musicians across Cheshire. A small group of volunteers worked alongside experienced musicians to learn ideas, skills and approaches needed when working with older people within day-care and residential homes.

‘I was looking to expand my musical experience within community settings & have always enjoyed working with older people. There are lots of opportunities for people wanting to do music work with young people but not as many for people wanting to work with adults’.

‘I particularly enjoyed the practical sessions themselves, It was an honor to work with Roy but the older people themselves were a joy to work with – they were really supportive, encouraging & keen to take part. I definitely want to carry on doing this sort of work’.

‘It’s helped me build confidence with the safety net of a musician there in case things went wrong. I also know now, because I’ve had the opportunity to try and be observed, that I can run these sessions’.

‘This is has been one of the best training programmes I’ve ever been on, because of the practical element. The musicians I worked with have been generous with their time and knowledge and I am extremely grateful to the project and to them for this opportunity. Although I am willing to volunteer on projects, particularly those involving other musicians, I would also like to find paid work’.

For further information please contact the coordinator wearpurple314@hotmail.com