On Wednesday (November 8), at the offices of Universal Music UK, a coalition of organizations launched two initiatives to support people living with dementia through music.
The special special event, attended by policymakers, representatives from charitable organizations, and leaders in the healthcare sector saw the launch of The Power of Music Fund and the Music Can digital platform.
The projects build on the recommendations of last year’s Power of Music report, published by UK Music and Music for Dementia.
One of those initiatives, launched by The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP), the Power of Music Fund, will allow grassroots dementia choirs and music groups to apply for small grants to cover basic costs, like room hire, travel and refreshments.
There will also be one larger grant for a Centre of Excellence, which will test new approaches to using music as part of dementia care. The fund has been set up with the support of The Utley Foundation, Arts Council England and Music for All, among others.
This partnership between health and care providers, voluntary organizations, music providers, and dementia support groups will test new approaches to integrating music into dementia care.
The Music Can website, meanwhile, spearheaded by Universal Music UK and developed by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), is a new platform for people living with dementia and their carers, including a directory of support, activities and advice.
It points people towards dementia-friendly groups in their area, includes advice for incorporating music into care and helps people to create playlists.
According to a press release from Universal Music UK, together, these initiatives present a ‘social prescription’ that NASP says holds the potential to enhance the lives of the 944,000 people currently living with dementia in the UK.
“I’m really excited to see Music Can launched and out there. This is such a valuable resource for people living with dementia and those who care for them,” said Vicky McClure, actor and champion for the Music for Dementia campaign.
“We need to make it easy for people to be able to find and access services in their communities and navigate the array of digital offers available. Music Can does this.”
Vicky McClure, Music for Dementia campaign
“We need to make it easy for people to be able to find and access services in their communities and navigate the array of digital offers available. Music Can does this and I would urge everyone who plays a role in supporting people with dementia – from family carers, to link workers, GPs, other health and care professionals, and musical dementia service providers – to use this incredibly valuable resource,” McClure added.
“Both initiatives are perfect examples of the power of music, bringing music and healthcare to together to support people’s wellbeing right across the country.”
David Joseph, Universal Music UK
David Joseph, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music UK, said: “I’m delighted to see the fund and Music Can platform launch today. Both initiatives are perfect examples of the power of music, bringing music and healthcare to together to support people’s wellbeing right across the country.”
“Since UK Music and Music for Dementia’s groundbreaking Power of Music report last year there has been lots of great work to keep up the momentum for the positive benefits of music’s impact on health and wellbeing.”
Tom Kiehl, UK Music
UK Music Interim Chief Executive Tom Kiehl, said: “Since UK Music and Music for Dementia’s groundbreaking Power of Music report last year there has been lots of great work to keep up the momentum for the positive benefits of music’s impact on health and wellbeing.
“The launch of the Power of Music Fund and Music Can are the culmination of these efforts and provide a clear direction for the next stages of integrating music and healthcare outcomes further.
Universal Music UK’s role in this new Music Can initiative comes over a year after Universal Music Group was named as an exclusive launch partner for an AI-driven music app called Vera for the care of people affected by dementia. Vera was launched by Music Health, a music wellness technology company.
Universal Music’s Australian arm in 2020 partnered with Australia-born licensed AI music therapy startup Muru Music Health, which claims to be the first music streaming service dedicated to people over the age 60.
The music company recently further deepened its foray into the healthcare space with the introduction of a new music-centric wellness app called Sollos in partnership with Thrive Global, a wellness firm founded by media veteran Arianna Huffington. Earlier this year, UMG also entered into a partnership with generative AI sound wellness startup Endel to create what they call “AI-powered, artist-driven functional music.”
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