Alongside our partners, we have launched two ground-breaking initiatives to bring to proven benefits of music to tens of thousands more people living with dementia and their carers.
The Power of Music Fund and the Music Can digital platform were launched on 8th November at a special event for policy-makers, charities and health leaders at Universal Music UK’s offices.
John Whittingdale, Creative Industries Minister, addressing guests at the Power of Music and Music Can platform launch event
Opening for applications on 22nd November, the Power of Music Fund will allow grassroots dementia choirs and music groups to apply for small grants to cover basic costs, like room hire, travel and refreshments. There will also be one larger grant of £500,000, available for a new Centre of Excellence.
We have launched the fund thanks to £1 million from the Utley Foundation, as well as generous support from Arts Council England, Music for All and public donations.
The Music Can online platform will 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 UK and developed by Boston Consulting Group, includes a directory of support, playlists, music activities and advice.
Please visit and share the site https://www.musiccan.co.uk/
These projects build on two of the recommendations of last year’s Power of Music report, published by UK Music and Music for Dementia, and mark an important step forward in dementia care and social prescribing.
Singer Tony Christie and NASP CEO Charlotte Osborn-Forde
A performance by One Voice Choir
Grace Meadows speaking about the Music Can platform
Darren Henley, Chief Executive at Arts Council England
Sarah Metcalfe, Managing Director at The Utley Foundation
The launch of The Power of Music and Music Can
