Mindsong approached GCF for support through the Coronavirus Response Fund in May 2020. Previously, the charity had received funding from GCF towards its regular work.
The charity has three main services:
- Music Therapy @ Home
- Meaningful Music singing groups in care homes
- Music Therapy in care homes
Although care homes were closed, the charity found innovative ways of delivering music online. High-risk individuals, unable access their usual respite care, many of those supported by the charity were elderly, isolated and frail. It was, therefore, crucial that Mindsong was able to continue delivering music therapy to people with complex dementia. It was also essential that the charity could support their carers.
With strict protocols in place, Mindsong was able to offer much-needed therapy to 24 of their 34 clients, online or face-to-face.
Each person received a bespoke package of weekly hour-long sessions, plus regular calls to support carers at a challenging time. Mindsong delivered sessions via Zoom, or with DVDs and CDs. Where possible, therapists offered Garden Sessions, reaching clients from driveways, patios or even the pavement.
They wrote to GCF,
There is no one else working in the county in the way that we do and we have taken the decision to reopen for referrals. We are already seeing our client list grow by an average of 4 referrals a day.
Published: 12th May 2021
