Music sessions held across Suffolk to help people with long-term health conditions
The programme aims to inspire communities and bring people together to improve their wellbeing
Last updated 6th Dec 2023
Musical sessions are being held across Suffolk to help the more vulnerable and people living with long-term health conditions, such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
The programme, by Mid Suffolk County Council and Orchestras Live, aims to inspire communities and bring people together to improve their wellbeing and increase their sense of agency.
Sessions are being held in Debenham, Thurston and Stowmarket, and some care home residents in Eye and Barking will also get to take part.
During these sessions, those involved will get the chance to compose a portion of a song, which worhshop leaders will then put together over the next few months.
Then in March, everyone who's been involved will be invited to the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket to rehearse and perform the final piece of music for an audience of family, friends and carers.
Councillor Tim Weller, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to secure this partnership with a leading professional orchestra in the region and that Britten Sinfonia will be extending their work out across our district.
“Music plays such an important role in almost everyone’s lives, it’s evocative, it’s therapeutic and it brings people together. I hope this project will provide an opportunity for people to experience music, perhaps in a different way, and participate in creating new music as part of the process.”
Stuart Bruce, senior creative producer at Orchestras Live, said: “As co-producer of this project, Orchestras Live is delighted that so many people across Mid Suffolk will have inspirational experiences of live music and contribute to a new piece for performance with Britten Sinfonia.
“This is a shining example of how orchestral music can bring joy and unlock the creativity of older people, and it is another important step in our partnership with Mid Suffolk District Council which aims to support the health and wellbeing of vulnerable people in rural communities.”