A new publication, the hugely popular Treasury of Arts Activities for Older People, has included ‘Musical Identities’ an activity designed by Sarah Davis and Beata McLean, Activities Co-ordinators at Monkscroft Care Centre, in collaboration with music charity Live Music Now. 

The Treasury of Arts Activities for Older People: Volume 2 is a valuable resource for anyone involved with older people such as those working or volunteering in care homes, dementia cafes or within a family.  This second volume includes 52 creative activities, one for each week of the year.  It is published by NAPA and Small Things and funded by The Barings Foundation and The Rayne Foundation.

‘Musical identities’ is an activity for facilitators and participants to find out about each other and share their identities and stories through music as well as being introduced to and discovering new music. It can be run on a one-to-one basis or involve a group of residents. Full details are outlined on page 60 of the publication which is available to download for free from www.baringfoundation.org.uk/resource/treasury-of-arts-activities-for-older-people-volume-2/.

Monkscroft is also featured in an Arts in Care Homes report Arts and Culture in Every Care Home, as part of a Live Music Now case study which describes the benefits of a music residency project which the home took part in last winter. The case study is found on p39 of the publication which is available for free here www.artsincarehomes.org.uk/creativity-and-culture-in-every-care-home/

Home Manager, Doreen Paisley, said: “Music has always been one of our most popular activities, and we know how valuable it is for residents living with dementia to find expression and joy through music. The collaboration with Live Music Now has been extremely valuable and I’m delighted that Monkscroft has been chosen to feature in both these publications.”