Since the launch of the Power of Music Fund, we have reached thousands of people living with dementia and their carers
Music has a unique ability not only to move us but to heal, connect, and transform lives. That belief is at the heart of The Power of Music Fund, which exists to support projects that use music to improve health and wellbeing for people living with dementia across the UK, through a range of local, grassroots activities and large strategic projects.
Thanks to the generosity of our partners and supporters, we’ve already made a meaningful difference:
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Supported over 200 organisations, reaching around 9,000 people living with dementia and carers
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Launched the first Centre of Excellence for Music and Dementia, which ensures people living with dementia across Manchester can access music-based support, and also gathers evidence of impact on the NHS
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Launched a second Centre of Excellence in Hertfordshire, focusing on training for staff working in care homes
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Promoted the Music Can website nationally, so that people can find the services they need
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Raised £2.7 million to advance health and wellbeing through music
And the impact speaks for itself.
What we've achieved together
Last year, we launched our small grants stream of the fund. Our grantees - grassroots organisations embedded in their communities - have just completed their first year of funding. They have delivered:
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2,249 music-based activities across local communities
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91% of projects worked in partnership with local health systems
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Greater social connection, joy, and inclusion for participants
These are more than just statistics. Every session, every song, and every shared moment is making a real difference to people’s lives.
“Miraculously, Lawrence responds well to Graeme’s kind and patient approach. You can really see him come alive in these sessions. Even though he’s largely non-verbal, he continues to sing. With Graeme’s encouragement, he’s even learning new improvised songs on the spot. Despite his worsening dementia, these sessions lift Lawrence’s mood (and mine), improve his walking, and boost his cooperation immediately afterwards.”
Real world impact
Our grantees have seen music-based support can lead to:
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Improved wellbeing, mood, and physical activity
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Increased confidence and social engagement
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Reduced agitation and anxiety
For carers, our grantees report that it can bring:
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Moments of respite
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Recognition of their loved one’s potential and new perspectives on caregiving
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Reduced isolation and stress
Though many of our grants are modest, the impact is profound. By supporting grassroots and voluntary organisations, we are:
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Strengthening community-based care
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Offering excellent value for funders and healthcare providers
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Developing long-term, sustainable solutions to improve lives through music
Growing a national movement
While 91% of groups had engaged with their local health system – for example, by distributing leaflets in GP practices or having a healthcare professional attend their sessions – there is much more to do to make music a standard part of dementia care. Many groups said that it had been challenging to connect to local health teams due to the complexity of the system, staff turnover and a range of other factors.
We know how that links between the voluntary sector and healthcare can results in two way referral pathways, as demonstrated here: “Building strong relationships with health care providers and individuals in the community. This has occasionally led to us being aware of other services that our members can access and we can promote further.”
Through the Centres of Excellence in Manchester and Hertfordshire, we are developing the evidence and resources that are needed to ensure every area provides the best possible support.
This means making sure that there is strong evidence of impact, so that local health and government leaders fully understand the benefits for both individuals and healthcare systems. It also means making sure staff working with people living with dementia are equipped to use music as part of their work.
Being able to scale up and spread this best practice is vital to ensure more people are supported to live the best life they can. That’s why in 2024, we launched the Power of Music Learning Network - a national network for those delivering music and dementia projects to connect, share expertise, and strengthen practice.
With over 100 members and growing, the Network provides:
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Monthly learning sessions on key topics, from safeguarding to connecting to healthcare
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Peer support and collaboration opportunities
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A stronger, united voice for the music and dementia sector
Help us keep the music playing
We are extremely grateful to our partners who have supported this work, including The Utley Foundation, whose long-term support for music and dementia kickstarted the project; Arts Council England; The Rayne Foundation; Music for All and Universal Music (who spearheaded Music Can); and to the many individuals and groups who have so generously donated.
But there is still much more to do. With funding cited as the most common risk to the future of these activities, and the cost of living impacting their budgets, long term and sustainable funding for these groups is vital, and remains a key priority for NASP. With further funding, stronger partnerships, and greater awareness, we can extend this vital work to reach even more people affected by dementia and those who care for them.
Join us - whether through donating, partnering, or simply spreading the word -and help harness the transformative power of music.
Image credit: Darnall Dementia Group
