Music and dementia charity Playlist for Life is inviting community groups and organisations across the UK to join their free Help Point network to share the power of personal music for people living with dementia, their families, and carers.
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, the charity is running a 12-month project building a network of ‘Help Points’ in Tameside, Oldham and Rochdale. The charity is also looking for volunteers to help spread the word and get involved.
A Help Point is a place where people can access free information and, in some cases, support about creating and using a personal playlist. Any organisation that can offer free advice and support to people affected by dementia are invited to apply from, community groups to dementia cafes, faith organisations, libraries health centres to groups connected to the world of music and arts. They will become part of the charity’s UK network of over 1000 Help Points and receive a free pack of printed resources to share as part of their activities.
Over two decades of scientific research has shown that listening to a personal playlist can improve the lives of those living with dementia. In fact, listening to music that is personally meaningful has many psychological benefits, meaning anyone can benefit from a playlist. Personal playlists can:
- reduce anxiety
- improve your mood
- make difficult tasks more manageable
- evoke memories that can help families and carers connect
“It’s amazing how powerful music has turned out to be. It has been so emotional and so rewarding to find something that brings back a little of our dad” – Fiona
Anyone interested in becoming a community Help Point or volunteering is invited to visit www.playlistforlife.org.uk