Marcin Waszak

18/05/22

Music is about to become an even bigger part of life for young adults at Livability Horizons. This service welcomes a programme that will train staff to run therapeutic music groups.  Livability Horizons was chosen as the care setting to benefit from Music As Therapy’s eight-week programme, which Music As Therapy is donating to Livability this summer.

Music therapy benefits the people we support in our education and residential settings

Thank you for the music

‘I was excited to see this project from Music as Therapy and jumped at the opportunity to apply,’ says Liz Salmon, Livability’s Head of Quality and Co-production. ‘I am well aware of the power of music to enrich people’s lives and the demonstrable outcomes it can have for adults with learning disabilities. These outcomes are critically important for us at Livability. So a project that drives for improved wellbeing, skill development, confidence and communication and connection with others is very well-aligned to our vision to help people to create a more livable life.’

Horizons is a residential transition and respite service for up to 13 young people aged 18-25, based in Poole, Dorset. Residents have physical and intellectual disabilities and associated medical needs.

Music as Therapy explains more.

‘As one of our key client groups and in line with our Covid emergence strategy, we decided to prioritise adults with learning disabilities and to make our services as accessible as possible. We were keen to ensure that limited funding and training budgets would not present a barrier. So, in the summer 2021, we sent a call-out to offer one care setting for adults with learning disabilities a fully funded skill-sharing music project. We were delighted to receive an enthusiastic response from Livability.’ A music therapist will work on-site with staff, and the skills gained will be of ongoing benefit to Horizons residents.

‘I am delighted that Livability Horizons has been successful in securing this exciting project,’ says Liz Salmon. ‘It’s been great to hear about the staff teams’ enthusiasm for the project and the ways they are already thinking about how the therapy can be tailored and sustained in order to  meet the individual needs of people we support at Horizons.’