Give the Gift of Time

GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME AND CHANGE THE TUNE FOR SOMEONE IN NEED

MUSIC24 CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS ACROSS
BEDFORDSHIRE AND HERTFORDSHIRE

We are only a few weeks away from New Year’s resolutions and ‘fresh starts’ but before we get there, have you thought of giving the gift of time to support a good cause in your locality?

Music24 knows very well, how valuable volunteers are and how they help change people’s lives for the better.

We are always looking for volunteers, they are the beating heart of our charity; without them we could not deliver the twenty music groups we run across Herts and Beds that reach over 450 people every year.  Many of our Service Users  tell us that coming to sing, dance and play instruments with Music24, is life-changing – our volunteers are essential to making this happen on a weekly basis.

For many volunteers it’s not only about giving back and helping out, it also forms part of their weekly routine, the growth of their own social network in meeting other volunteers and being part of a team; in turn this results in their own wellbeing and happiness.

Di Pook, a Music24 Dementia group volunteer explained, “I used to bring my partner to their [Music24] sessions, and when I lost him, I sort of lost myself, if that makes sense, and so I decided to volunteer with Music24.  What it’s done is it’s giving me some purpose back to my life and I feel that I can help some of the other people in the way that Music24 helped my partner.”

It is very rewarding to volunteer for a charity like Music24 - you see, first hand, the positive impact that the work of the charity has on people in need of community intervention, you make new friends, you can participate at special one-off or annual events  and, at the same time, you are recognised for your contribution of precious time.

Volunteers make a huge difference to people's lives in just a few hours every week.  They don't have to be musicians to join Music24 - just kind, compassionate, fun-loving, supportive, empathic, encouraging, inspiring and full of community spirit and creative energy!  This Christmas and into the New Year, we are asking people to think about what time they can give – contact Music24 if you are interested in the power music has to change lives.  Now is the time.  You are needed!

For more information on how to volunteer for Music24 contact info@music24.org.uk or head to our website.

Men's Mental Health Awareness Month

For November's Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re celebrating how community music-making can make a real difference. We asked Steve and Dan how coming to Music24’s Mind Our Music group helps them.

“Forget your worries, come here and play your music.” - Steve

“When I leave a session I feel more satisfied and happier. I feel fulfilled.” - Dan

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When Steve first joined the Luton Mind Our Music group in 2023, he was looking for something to lift the weight that had settled over his days. After years spent caring for his father and sister, and managing his own health concerns, he describes life as “a stressful burden.” Music, however, has become a refuge. “I love coming here every Monday,” he says. “It helps me a lot with anxiety problems.”

The weekly sessions at Music24’s ‘Mind Our Music’ in Luton, bring together people who share a love of music and an understanding of what it means to struggle. Some are musicians, some are not. Participants swap instruments, sing, and improvise together. In a welcoming, non-judgemental space, people can express themselves freely through sound. Participants sing, play, and create in the moment - no pressure, no expectations, just the joy of making music side by side.

“It’s great to come here with other musicians and have a very enjoyable musical evening,” Steve explains. “You get any problems you’ve got off your chest.”

“It’s nice to meet, lovely people and lovely staff,” Steve says. “Forget your worries, come here and play your music.”

For Steve, who often spends time alone, the group provides balance.  Here, he rediscovers confidence, companionship and calm.  Mind Our Music is more than just a creative outlet, it is a community.  “It’s stress relief for me,” Steve smiles. “Great staff, great people, very enjoyable.”

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When Dan first heard about Music24’s Mind Our Music sessions in Welwyn, he wasn’t sure what to expect. As someone who is autistic and lives with epilepsy, change takes time. But with gentle encouragement from his mum, Sue, and his care team, Dan decided to give it a go.

That was in 2023. Two years later, he’s still attending the group and his weekly music sessions have become a vital part of his routine, wellbeing, and happiness.

“Sometimes I feel alright, sometimes I feel unwell when I arrive here,” Dan said. “I do look forward to coming every week. It supports me and makes me feel like I’m important.”

Sue has seen the difference it makes to her son.

“Dan’s main issue in life is anxiety, which can lead to seizures,” she explained. “As far as I’m aware, he’s only had one seizure during a Music24 session. Everyone was very caring and I believe this reassured him that it a lovely group to be part of.”

Inside the sessions, everyone is encouraged to experiment and find their own rhythm. Some can already play instruments; others simply join the jam and see where it takes them.

Dan’s mum Sue said, “He enjoys trying new instruments and feels comfortable and welcome.”

“I like to play the piano at Music24,” Dan said with a smile. “I can’t do that anywhere else. I like to sing too - especially country music.”

For Dan, the sessions are about music, connection, confidence, and belonging. Over time, Sue has seen a noticeable change in him.

“His confidence has improved,” she shared. “He really enjoyed rehearsing for the Abbey Road recording last year — particularly meeting and interacting with members of other groups. I think it’s made him realise it’s okay to be different.”

And how does Dan feel when the music stops?

“I feel different when I leave the session,” he said. “I feel more satisfied and happier when I leave. I feel fulfilled.”

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As Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us, spaces like Mind Our Music matter - especially for men who may struggle to express how they feel. Music brings people together, helps them connect without words.

Want to get involved?

If you or someone you know could benefit from joining a welcoming, creative community like Music24’s Mind Our Music groups, we’d love to hear from you. Follow us on social media to learn more about our sessions and how you can support men’s mental health through the power of music.

Contact info@music24.org.uk or 01582 250024

EMPOWERING HERTS DEMENTIA CARE STAFF TO BECOME MUSIC CHAMPIONS

Music24 is proud to be working alongside Herts Care Providers Association, Age UK Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire County Council in a project that is establishing Hertfordshire as a Centre for Excellence for Music in Dementia Care.

Thanks to the Power of Music Fund and following a successful 3 day pilot, we are excited that the launch of the Music in Herts Dementia Care Champion programme is ready to welcome new cohorts from Residential and Nursing Homes in Hertfordshire. The programme will empower care professionals to discover how deeply music can connect, comfort and uplift those living with Dementia. It will help them to integrate music into the lives of residents with Dementia on a daily basis. 

During the 3 day pilot sessions, our ‘Dementia Care Music Champions’ stepped out of their comfort zones to learn how positively music can affect residents and staff. Here are a few things they said about their training experience:

“What a benefit music really is to everyone, particularly with dementia.”

“I have learnt different strategies and techniques to carry out music sessions at the home.” 

“Think about impact on residents & make sure they enjoy session.”

“To have fun with the residents and make them smile. “

“That I should ask what peoples’ music preferences are. How music makes them feel and the importance of music to people.”

“Hope this continues!”

“Really enjoyed this course. Brilliant trainers”

Information about the training opportunities taking place in September and October 2025 for current Dementia and Engagement Care professionals working in Residential & Nursing Homes in Hertfordshire, can be found via the links below.

Music in Herts Dementia Care Champion - 3 Day Course September 2025

Music in Herts Dementia Care Champion - 3 Day Course October 2025

Luton Dementia Awareness Walk - Save The Date

Luton is coming together to walk for change. Music24 has teamed up with two other local charities - Young at Heart Café and Rotary Luton Someries - to host the Luton Dementia Awareness Walk, an event dedicated to supporting those impacted by dementia and their loved ones.

The event takes place at Stockwood Park, Luton on Sunday 28th September 2025, 11am - 3pm. 

This inspiring walk invites individuals and families to take time to reflect on how dementia has touched their lives and the lives of others in their community. It's a chance to walk, talk, and show solidarity while raising awareness about the challenges faced by those living with dementia. 

The Luton Dementia Awareness Walk is NOT a challenge or a race, it is a gentle stroll bringing people affected by Dementia together to walk, talk and share experiences.  The event is free to take part.  For more information and to join the walk, register your interest via Luton Dementia Awareness Walk Eventbrite .

To all our Volunteers - Thank you!

Did you know that Music24’s work is currently supported by 39 volunteers across Beds and Herts?

We couldn't do what we do without them. They are the smiling faces, the welcomers, the refreshment facilitators, the friendly, compassionate and resourceful people behind every music session; they are the beating heart of our charity and help us to support individuals living with dementia, mental health challenges, learning disabilities and those in recovery, through the power of music..

We wanted to celebrate Volunteer's Week by holding a tea party in honour of their service, to recognise and thank them in person for all that they do for our community. So, with music, song and afternoon tea, we treated our volunteers to an afternoon just for them.

We were also extremely delighted to welcome Dr Helen Hanbury DL from The Hertfordshire Lieutenancy who spent time getting to know our volunteers and members of our Board of Trustees on the day.

Photo by Simon Lane

Big applause for our volunteers

Afternoon Tea treats!

Helen Hanbury DL chats to our volunteers.

Community and Mental Health Week 2025

Community

This year's Mental Health Week theme speaks straight to Music24's heart

We are more than just a group of people playing music together; we are a supportive network, a safe space and a community of people who always show up for one another.

We can say this about all our music sessions but we do have groups that specifically support those who need help with mental health difficulties. Our 'Mind Our Music' groups are led by those taking part, supported by our trained staff. People make music or can simply listen, talk and share. The main focus is on improvising and song-writing and we provide a wide range of instruments to make new music with - everyone is welcome; musicians and non-musicians.

Thank you to Julie in the video, for sharing how our 'Mind Our Music' sessions make her feel and how they have improved her mental health.

These sessions take place in Luton, Welwyn Garden City and Bedford and can be joined by referral HERE.

Funding Awarded for Music & Dementia Centre of Excellence in Hertfordshire

Music24 is exceptionally proud to announce our involvement in a pioneering initiative that will use the power of music to transform dementia care across Hertfordshire, improving the lives of thousands of people living with dementia and upskilling care staff to integrate music into everyday practice.

Hertfordshire has been selected as the UK’s second Centre of Excellence for Music and Dementia by the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) through its Power of Music Fund. Greater Manchester was named as the first Centre of Excellence in 2024.

Led by Age UK Hertfordshire, in partnership with Music24, the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association (HCPA), Hertfordshire County Council and other expert organisations, and forming part of the Hertfordshire Dementia Strategy Delivery programme led by the Hertfordshire Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism (MHLDA) Health and Care Partnership, the project will develop and deliver a comprehensive training programme for care professionals. The goal is to create Music Champions within 100 care homes, training 6,000 staff to embed therapeutic music techniques into dementia care, benefiting approximately 5,800 residents over the funded period.

Music has been proven to help people with dementia communicate, reduce anxiety and depression, improve self-esteem, stimulate memory, and reconnect with their cultural identity. This initiative will create personalised music experiences for residents by considering their musical preferences and histories. Care staff will be trained in various techniques, including passive and active music listening, singing and playing instrument, talking about music and encouraging reminiscence, and dancing and movement-based engagement.

Music24 will lead the training development alongside HCPA, drawing on expertise from organisations such as Herts Musical Memories, Music For My Mind and the Hertfordshire Music Service. The training programme will be co-produced with experts, care staff, and people living with dementia, ensuring it meets real-life needs and creates lasting impact.

To ensure sustainability, the programme will establish a Music Champion’s Network, providing ongoing peer support and professional development for trained staff. The initiative will also be evaluated in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire County Council Public Health, ensuring robust data collection to measure the long-term impact on staff confidence, resident wellbeing, and care home culture.

Through this project, Hertfordshire is set to lead the way in embedding music into dementia care on a large scale, influencing both local and national approaches. The Centre of Excellence will not only support care homes but also eventually extend training opportunities to community groups, mental health services, and hospices, ensuring that more people can benefit from the life-changing power of music.

Further details on this programme will follow as it develops over the next few months. We look forward to working with all partners on this exciting initiative!