East Suffolk Council
Free music sessions hit the right note with Kesgrave residents
Kesgrave students have been working with professional musicians to help deliver free music sessions for older residents with long term health conditions.
Run by Britten Pears Arts, Participate Kesgrave is a free to access music project for older people, particularly for those living with long term health conditions including dementia and Parkinson’s, and their carers. The sessions, which take place in Leiston, Saxmundham, Woodbridge and Kesgrave, are delivered by professional musicians, working with those attending to create and contribute to the music.
At Participate Kesgrave, sessions over the summer term have become intergenerational, with students from Kesgrave High School, co-designing the sessions with the musicians and then delivering them in the community. The involvement of the students has been funded by the Kesgrave, Rushmere St Andrew, Martlesham, Carlford and Fynn Valley Community Partnership and the Community Partnership Board.
Cllr Mark Packard, Chair of the Kesgrave, Rushmere St Andrew, Martlesham, Carlford and Fynn Valley Community Partnership said:
“Music is known to have a positive impact on wellbeing, especially for those with dementia and we have heard wonderful examples from these sessions where participants are joining in with the music and using the sessions to share experiences. This inspirational project is a great example of what Community Partnerships can help provide across the district. Not only did residents benefit from the experience, but the students also gained a lot from developing new bonds through their creativity and interaction.”
Lucy-Eve Wright from Britten Pears said:
"We have been thrilled to work with the students at Kesgrave High School, and sharing what it means to be a community musician. The students planned and delivered dynamic activities that were loved by all participants – a fantastic way to see the sharing of ideas and conversation between the local community in Kesgrave. We are grateful to the Community Partnership for their support of this project and hope to be able to encourage more young people to consider careers in outreach work."
Participate Kesgrave takes place at the Bowls Pavilion at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre every Tuesday at 10am. These are free sessions, but booking is required: www.brittenpearsarts.org/take-part/adults/participate