'Music takes older people down memory lane'

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"Older people have been singing old songs to remember times gone by, as part of a music therapy course at the Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre.

The 10-week course sees music therapist Harriet Powell co-ordinating a weekly hour-long session where she plays the accordion and piano, following the singing and taking requests to play songs that everyone can remember.

John Larkin, 79, of Regent’s Park estate, has been going to the sessions. He said:
"I find it very uplifting. I like all the old songs; being Irish I like ‘A long way to Tipperary’. It’s the songs we sang back in the 50s."
The Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre is a Camden Council-run day centre for older residents and anyone in the borough is welcome to attend.

Music therapy supports older people socially, by reducing isolation and increasing communication with others, as well as being physically relaxing and stimulating. It is grounded in the belief that everyone can respond to music, regardless of their abilities.

Harriet Powell, music therapist employed by Nordoff-Robbins, said:
"Everyone is innately musical and music therapy allows everyone to become involved, regardless of their abilities. They can use percussion instruments if they want and I follow their lead rather than leading them. The course at Charlie’s has been really well received and has made a positive difference to the people who use the centre."
Camden Council’s executive member for adult social care and health, Cllr Martin Davies, said:
"The music therapy course at the Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre is an excellent example of how we can engage with older residents."

Date: 26/6/09

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