2.6 Music & Community with Nina, Alan & Marg

How does music bind your community? 

Music Helps is excited to introduce our first power couple double-bill of guests! Nina has had the pleasure of knowing Alan & Marg Bartley for several years now, as both are founder members of Musical Walkabout’s ‘Songsters’ community music group, co-curated with and for people living with a dementia, people in caregiving roles and health & social care staff.

Alan received a diagnosis of young onset dementia early into his retirement, and has since played an active role in his community. He raises awareness about the realities of dementia through his brilliant poetry and brings people together joyfully by hosting inclusive musical dance and disco nights with his wife Marg. 

Marg has been integral to Musical Walkabout’s explorations of how music can support caregivers, engaging in not only Songsters, but its offshoot ‘Songsters Care’, which provided a space for people in caregiving roles to explore their creativity and independent time.

Both are devoted hearts of their family, and share with Nina all the different ways music plays a part in their day to day lives and their community.

Community music engagement with people living with a dementia has been proven to…

~ Enhance social interaction and communication

~ Foster a sense of belonging 

~ Reduce isolation and create connected communities

These interventions provide a therapeutic and enjoyable avenue for individuals to express themselves, stimulate memories, and improve overall well-being through the power of music. 

These benefits are also available to participating caregivers. For whatever reason, maybe you feel reluctant to dive into music. Not enough time, or energy or support? We invite you to dip a toe and give music a try!

We’re here to help you discover more about the myriad ways to support your wellbeing with music. Listen to this episode of Music Helps and catch up on earlier conversations right here 👉 https://tinyurl.com/35ajsx4z 

Have a listen to the beautiful song from Alan & Marg’s wedding 👉https://tinyurl.com/5dc5anwu

Play Alan's Music Quiz on our Insta page here 👉 https://tinyurl.com/52p5fsrv

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