The Beaney bags funding to explore the power of music

Free singing sessions for people living with dementia are to launch at The Beaney after the museum secured three years of funding from the National Academy for Social Prescribing’s Power of Music Fund.

The new Sounds Beaney singing group will be held monthly in the museum’s galleries and offers those living with dementia and their partners and carers the opportunity to reduce feelings of social isolation and improve their mood.

Sessions will be delivered in partnership with Music4Wellbeing, a specialist in music provision for wellbeing in Kent.

The group will meet monthly on a Friday, with the first session starting on Friday 14 June between 10.30am and 11.30am.

Each session will include time for participants to socialise over refreshments.

All singing abilities are welcome and booking is not required – simply arrive at The Beaney’s Visitor Information Desk on the day.

The Sounds Beaney singing group forms part of a programme of initiatives on offer at the museum for people living with dementia, after The Beaney recently registered as a dementia-friendly venue.

The initiative will sit alongside The Beaney’s existing Power of the Object Group sessions, where people living with dementia and social isolation can get hands on with the museum’s collection and socialise over a cup of tea.

Cllr Connie Nolan, Cabinet Member for Culture and Community, said “News of The Beaney securing this funding really is music to my ears!

“It’s yet another example of the brilliant work the museum does to support the community and I have no doubt that the group will have a real impact on improving the lives of those living with dementia in our district.”

For more information about the new Sounds Beaney singing group or the Power of the Object Group, email beaney@canterbury.gov.uk or call 01227 862 162.

Published: 8 May 2024