SALFORD BOYS BRIGADE, JOIN FORCES WITH CARE HOME RESIDENTS THROUGH MUSIC

The launch of new pilot projects between the Youth United Foundation and Intergenerational Music Making, funded by mutual insurer, Royal London, which is connecting Scouts, Rainbows, Beavers, Cubs, and the Boys Brigade with their local care homes saw Salford Boys Brigade join forces with Pendleton Court Care Home.

Intergenerational Music Making (www.imm-music.com) is a national not-for-profit organisation and delivers programmes, training, campaigning & research to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of the old and the young in communities across the UK, through the power of music.

Youth United Foundation works with 1.5 million young people aged 4-24 to ensure young people, regardless of background or location, have the opportunity to become a member of a unformed youth group. This helps them to gain skills and experiences, overcome barriers and be the best they can be.

The initial six-week pilots included intergenerational music making and creative training for the young people, giving them the skills to use music as a tool to support their individual and community wellbeing.

The project is aimed at helping young people increase their sense of citizenship, and develop respect and empathy for older people in their community. The pilots will see Beavers and Cubs visit their local care home at the Bridge of Weir in Scotland and in Banstead Surrey, the Boys Brigade meeting care home residents in Salford, and Rainbows partnering with a care home in Horley, Surrey.

Emily Abbott, Programme Director at IMM said:

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“We are so delighted to be working with YUF to inspire good citizenship amongst young people through intergenerational connection, music and community awareness. The projects are designed to improve the personal wellbeing of the care home residents and the young people taking part as well as empowering, inspiring and skilling up the next generation. Feedback from the initial sessions is already demonstrating the impact of the partnership in helping young people to develop empathy, communication and confidence and play an active role in their community”.

Max, a Boys Brigade member who took part in the Salford project said:

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“I would recommend it because if they (young people) need to build up their confidence, they can definitely do that here and they can also have a great time doing it while making other people happy.”

Lesley Moore, Activity Co-ordinator at HC One, Pendleton Court Care Home in Salford said:

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“It brings people to life, people who might be withdrawn. We've had two residents who never really want to join in sessions, interacting and having fun with the kids, it's amazing.”

Natalie Whipday, Director of Operations The Boys Brigade said:

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“The first week they were really nervous & apprehensive to come in. By week two, they're running in, they've made relationships, you can see the confidence shine through, the residents are really excited to see them, and the kids are excited to take the lead. You see the development of how they've appreciated the different needs of older people and making sure everyone's included.”

Sarah Atkins, Project Manager at Youth United Foundation said:

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“It’s great to be working alongside IMM to provide young people with a real sense of belonging in their communities. When young people feel like they belong, their confidence increases as does their ability to create relationships. Music is enabling them to create long lasting relationships with the residents of the care homes, and learn skills that they can use throughout their lives. It’s an amazing project to be a part of.”