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Music making connections in island communities
Caraidean Uibhist are a befriending service based in the island communities of North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist. Music officer Ruth Gottschall led a yearlong project tackling social isolation through music led reminiscence. Ruth had attended Playlist for Life training and used our resources and learning to support the work.
While the project is not exclusively for those living with dementia, they worked with a number of people living at different stages of their dementia journey. The group was diverse, with some participants living at home independently, while others were practically bedridden living at care homes.
The music has allowed participants to open up and share things you would not expect, considering they had only met Ruth a short time ago. There were the occasional ‘red flag song’ moment, but this allowed participants to discuss some unhappier times in their lives in a safe environment with Ruth there for comfort.
The project also sparked longer term effects for people. One participant wanted to write down her songs and memories as they thought their family might be interested in reading about it when they had died. Another participant made the focus about writing their memoires which Ruth ended up continuing to do in her own time on a voluntary capacity.
In addition to visiting people in their home/care home, the project also arranged a number of ceilidhs from their office in Benbecula with live musicians. Participants attending who played an instrument were encouraged to bring it and join in, and others were provided a choice of noisemaker, so all could take part in some way. Participants requested songs and were also encouraged to share the personal memories associated or the reasons they wanted that song. They also played music quizzes.
Watch the video below to hear how music helped to tackle social isolation in the communities.
In addition to visiting people in their home / care home, the project also arranged a number of ceilidhs from their office in Benbecula with live musicians. Participants attending who played an instrument were encouraged to bring it and join in, and others were provided a choice of noisemaker, so all could take part in some way. Participants requested songs and were also encouraged to share the personal memories associated or the reasons they wanted that song. They also played music quizzes.
As the year project is coming to an end, Ruth felt like this was only the start of the project really and they have exciting plans for next year. This project has reduced isolation and loneliness for participants. It has helped islanders make new connections and has been an enjoyable experience.
