Age UK Wandsworth receives award from the Power of Music Fund

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded funding from the Power of Music Fund, which will be used to create a new music group and choir for those living with dementia and their carers.

The Power of Music Fund offers small grants to local organisations that use music to support people living with dementia and their carers, including choirs. The fund builds on the recommendations of the 2022 Power of Music Report, which outlined the benefits that music can have for health and wellbeing – including for people living with dementia.

Managed by the National Academy for Social Prescribing, the Power of Music Fund has been kickstarted by a £1 million donation from The Utley Foundation. It is also supported by Arts Council England, Music for All,  and other private donors, including members of the public.

Charlotte Osborn-Forde, CEO at the National Academy for Social Prescribing, said: “We’re thrilled to have awarded Age UK Wandsworth this funding as part of the Power of Music’s mission to deliver funds to grassroots projects as part of social prescribing, especially in parts of the country where the need is greatest.

The money can cover basic costs such as room hire and refreshments, but more importantly, it will provide support for people living with dementia and their families, improving their physical and mental wellbeing, and creating moments of joy and connection through music.”

The Utley Foundation has been working to make music an integral part of dementia care for ten years through its Music for Dementia campaign.

Sarah Metcalfe, Managing Director at The Utley Foundation, said: “Research shows music can help people living with dementia and their families. More must be done to make it an integral part of dementia care. The Utley Foundation was delighted to kickstart NASP’s Power of Music Fund with £1million and is thrilled that Age UK Wandsworth is one of the first organisations to benefit so that local people can benefit.”

Age UK Wandsworth is delighted to have received funding for the next 3 years, which will be used to provide a new monthly music group and choir called "Music, Melody & Memories” for people living with dementia. Sessions will be free to attend, with food and refreshments included. The first session will be held on Monday 20^th May at our Day Centre in Wandsworth. Click here for more details or see our poster below.