Oh Yeah Music Centre
The Power of Music
Music has been proven to be a unique and powerful stimulus for reawakening self-awareness and social connectedness in people with dementia and this is fundamental to the work of Oh Yeah Music Centre who offer a range of programmes using music & reminiscence to promote wellbeing in older people.
Despite the level of brain impairment and severity in dementia, certain activities remain preserved in most instances and are very resistant to decline. These include activities such as throwing a ball, enjoying music and dancing.
Evoking Bygone Years
Reeling in the Years was a 15 week programme delivered in Newington Day Centre, North Belfast. Each session featured a different aspect of life in Belfast in the 1960’s and 70’s from transport to cinemas and film.
Several cues including pictures, live music and products were used to evoke memories in participants, prompt interest and engagement. Previously unknown facts about participants emerged such as one woman who’s family was the proud owner of one of the first televisions in Northern Ireland and another lady who won a Mini Metro car by composing a short poem in a competition.
Music as Medicine
Musical perception, musical emotion and musical memory can survive long after other forms of memory and cognitive function have disappeared. Listening to familiar music can elicit pleasurable responses such as smiling or moving/dancing even when communication is lost. Singing has also been shown to improve behaviour, agitation, mood and cognitive function in some dementia cases. From a physical perspective, music can also increase the heart rate and hormone levels in cognitively impaired patients.
Carers involved in the Reeling in the Year Programme identified a marked difference in participants’ presentation at the outset of the session – often morose, uncommunicative, slightly stressed and oftentimes unhappy – and contrasted this with a room full of people laughing, singing and in general high spirits during the session.
Memory Surfing
When music or any cue activates a memory, that can then activate other memories from that time or memories that are linked. The importance of autobiographical memories is that when we can recall a snippet of something from our lives, it enhances our sense of identity and self-awareness, and reminds us of who we are and where we came from and is crucial for maintaining positive wellbeing. One man recalled the purchase of his first car, a red Vauxhall Viva, for £100 and his pride and joy spent cleaning, maintaining and driving it.
Participants in the Reeling in the Years Programme collaborated with musicians to write two original songs about their collective memories of going out on a Saturday night and how to light a coal fire! Others recorded personal stories as part of a podcast. All participants shared a sense of pride, knowing that their contribution was valued.
Cascading Wellbeing
The benefits of reaffirming personal identity and reconnecting are not limited to the individual but extend to carers and family members. Seeing that glimpse of the person you used to know is really important. For family members and carers, this insight helps them to realise this is still a person, they have a past and a rich history.
Furthermore, any improvements in a person with dementia’s behaviour, communication and mood will benefit not just the individual but also enhance the quality of life of their family member or carer through a reduction in stress levels and an improved relationship.
Partners in Tune
Oh Yeah provides Outreach support to young and older people. It provides a talent development programme, live venue, office space and music tourism through its exhibition and Music tours.
The philosophy of Newington Day Centre is to promote the independence, well-being, dignity and self-esteem of members. The day centre aims to enable people from many different backgrounds to remain living in the community and to provide support and respite for carers.
Other partners who are making a difference
Identifying the right network of dedicated and ambitious partners has enabled us to deliver on our charitable purposes and activities. Here are just some of the life-changing projects that our grant partners have been involved in.
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TEN Foundations
The TEN Foundations Livelihood Programme provides local mothers with the necessary skills and resources in order that they may provide for their own families and become self-sufficient.
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SOS Bus NI
SOS Bus NI is an integral part of the multi-agency effort to deliver services that reduce pressures on blue light services and make Belfast a safer place to live, work and socialise.
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Angel Eyes NI
Angel Eyes NI empower families with information and skills to raise aspirations and make informed choices for their child.