The Radio 4 Appeal - listen online

There's still time to listen to and donate to MHA's Radio 4 Appeal for music therapy.

The Appeal, with MHA Patron and Songs of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes, aired on Sunday 6 July. Pam shared the story of Dorothy Cartledge, a resident of MHA’s Maple Leaf House care home in Ripley, Derbyshire. Dorothy has dementia, but continues to find joy, creativity and self-expression through the interactive alternative therapy.

You can still listen to the Appeal online, however, and make a donation.
 
Pam said, “Music seems to unlock not just the memory, but also the personality. Sometimes when people have dementia, those signs of personality seem to have disappeared in the frail frame we can see, but the precious person inside is still there and MHA recognises this.”
 
Recipients of the therapy do more than simply listen to music. They are prompted to participate with musical cues, to sing, move to the music and play along with instruments such as xylophones and tambourines. If there is a particular song or style of music that they especially enjoy, this can be used in the therapy.
 
No musical experience or knowledge is necessary.
 
The Appeal features Dorothy during a one-to-one session, singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow with the help of her music therapist, Chris Wilson.
 
Her daughter, Caroline Daybell, said, “I think music therapy really helps her mood. It’s a way of helping her to express her emotions. I’d love for everyone who has dementia to benefit from music therapy like my mother has.”
 
Chris added, “Music therapy is empowering. It brings people with dementia into the here and now, even when words aren’t possible.”
 
To listen to the Appeal online, click here. To make a donation, click here.