A global charity has embarked on an awareness campaign highlighting the positive impact music can have improving both our own lives and the way we approach people that need to be cared for. Music as Therapy International is an award-winning charity with more than 2 decades of experience in bringing music into the lives of the most vulnerable people in both the UK and around the world. The charity passionately believes in music’s power to help people deal with disability, trauma and mental illness.
Raising awareness
Music as Therapy International launched the #MusicCan Campaign today to raise awareness about the myriad number of ways music has the ability to positively impact the lives of all individuals regardless of what their circumstances or background. Alexia Quin the organisations founder and director said the campaign is being launched to show the world and to celebrate the power and positive impact music can have for everyone.
Music can improve the lives of dementia patients
The campaign launch was designed to coincide with the publication of a report by the International Longevity Centre UK which looked into the relationship between dementia and music. The Commission on Dementia and Music report was sponsored by the Utley Foundation and revealed a wealth of evidence which supports the thesis that music can be used to be improve the lives of people suffering from dementia.
Alzheimer’s care costs the UK billions every year
According to data provided by the Alzheimer’s Society, in the UK there are approximately 850,000 people living with dementia today. Their health and social care costs of £11.9 billion exceed that of even cancer, stroke and heart disease which cost the UK £5 billion, £2.9 billion £2.5 billion respectively. It is estimated that by 2025 there will be as many as a million people in the UK living with dementia.
Music has no negative impact
Ms Quin says that it is clear from the report that music has a massive role to play in the treatment and care of people suffering from dementia. Not only is music extremely versatile for people suffering from the various types of the illness, there are no known negative impacts especially when you compare music with the use of anti-psychotic medications. She adds that she hopes the positive message that Music Can represents will help to raise awareness of the potential for music to change the way care is delivered.
Hoping the public gets involved
The #MusicCan campaign will also be sharing a number of short films which demonstrate the positive impact music can have on improving care. The charity also wants the general public to get involved by sharing the hashtag on social media along with their own personal thoughts on the power of music.
