Two initiatives to bring the proven benefits of music to thousands of people living with dementia have been launched in the U.K. with support from Universal Music.
The Power of Music Fund and the Music Can digital platform were launched at UMG U.K.’s London offices Wednesday (11/8). The initiatives will provide support through music—a “social prescription” that evidence suggests could help improve the lives of the 944k people living with dementia in the U.K.
“I’m delighted to see the fund and Music Can platform launch today,” Universal Music U.K. Chairman & CEO David Joseph said. “Both initiatives are perfect examples of the power of music, bringing music and healthcare to together to support people’s wellbeing right across the country.”
The fund will allow grassroots dementia choirs and music groups to apply for small grants to cover basic costs such as room rental, travel and refreshments. There will also be one larger grant of £500k available for a new Centre of Excellence—a partnership between health and care providers, voluntary organizations, music providers and dementia support organizations. Applications open on 11/22.
The Centre will test new approaches to embedding music as part of dementia care, gather evidence of cost savings for the NHS, and design new models of care which could be scaled up and spread across England. The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) has established the fund, which has been kickstarted by a £1m contribution from the Utley Foundation, as well as support from Arts Council England, Music for All and others. NASP aims to raise £5m in total.
The Music Can online platform aims to help people living with dementia, their carers and musicians to feel confident about using music as part of their care. The website, spearheaded by Universal Music U.K. and developed by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), includes a directory of support, playlists, music activities and advice.
The projects build on two of the recommendations of last year’s Power of Music report, published by UK Music and Music for Dementia.
