The Power of Music Fund: People living with dementia
The National Academy for Social Prescribing has launched The Power of Music Fund, supported by Music for All, Arts Council England and other donors, including members of the public, and has been kickstarted by a £1 million donation from The Utley Foundation.
Music can be a lifeline for people living with dementia and their carers. While dementia is a progressive condition without a cure, music can improve mood, offer opportunities for self-expression and creativity, strengthen personal relationships, and reconnect people to those they love. Research suggests that engagement with music can offer significant social, emotional and cognitive benefits for people living with dementia.
Dementia choirs, musical activities for carers and other initiatives supporting people through music will be able to apply for multi-year grants of either £1,000 or £2,000 per year, depending on the size and scope of the project. There will also be one larger grant of £500,000 for a Centre of Excellence.
Through the fund, the National Academy for Social Prescribing will also carry out research and evaluation to develop a model that will ensure health systems are able to work closely with community groups, with sustainable funding. This will ensure that music can play a key role in dementia care across the country.
The Power of Music Fund builds on a smaller fund specifically for dementia choirs, which provided grants of £1,000 to 100 local groups in early 2023.
The Power of Music Fund will be accepting applications until 22nd December 2023. You can find more information here.
