Proven Benefits  Promotion of wellbeing A means of expression for those with communication difficulties Connection with other group members - reducing isolation Increasing confidence and self-esteem Fun and stimulation Physical exercise Sessions are active, not passive - giving the opportunity to express individuality      IT'S OFFICIAL! MUSIC AND MOVEMENT IS GOOD FOR YOU! An increasing body of research demonstrates that older people who participate in shared music activities are happier and more contented. It also shows that adding gentle movements to music can improve balance, reduce falls and help people to cope with dementia.   My sessions combine live and recorded music, singing, rhythm, gentle exercise and seated dance. I add a big dollop of fun and that vital element to feeling good, laughter. Everyone joins in, residents, staff and relatives. It's not just about sitting back and listening to an entertainer, it's about becoming actively involved.  I aim to bring people out of their shell and an opportunity to feel connected to those around them. Someone who has lost the ability to talk may feel quite isolated but when they join in the singing with others around them they become part of the group. The transformation from someone sitting twiddling their cardigan buttons and staring at their lap to that same individual laughing as they sway with others using our large elastic band or throwing a foam ball around the group and enthusiastically joining in with the singing is magical. It's why I do it. I watch people come alive.   WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SESSIONS? No two sessions are ever the same. Each is developed to reflect the expressed wishes of the group and to ensure that everyone can join in regardless of their physical needs, mobility, memory and/or cognitive impairment. Nevertheless an example of a typical session is shown below:       Warm up/icebreaker activity - eg passing, throwing and catching a soft ball or my (now infamous!) felt hat Gentle seated movement such as clapping, toe tapping and simple steps to music Seated dance with props such as an elastic band (circle dancing), rhythm sticks, silk scarves and toe tappers Favourite songs (live and recorded) accompanied by percussion instruments and other props An activity to close the session such as using a giant parachute or more gentle activity such as blowing bubbles and sharing a favourite piece of music. I also offer arts and crafts sessions. Recent activities have included: throwing pottery (which I then had fired for the residents); stone painting; painting and decorating bird houses; Olympic themed pottery decoration; Halloween lanterns; a felt wall hanging Advent calendar; homemade Christmas crackers, complete with snap, hat and corny joke! magazine pen pots; decorated picture frames; and, decorated trinket boxes. More Arts and Crafts photographs can be found on the Gallery pages. All of these activities have been carefully designed to include all potential participants, including those with poor or no sight and other disabilities.         Engaging, interactive and stimulating, these sessions get people laughing, talking, singing and moving.