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Christmas is a time for singing, say care organisations

A group of sector leaders in music and care is helping care settings to keep singing as a part of their Christmas 2020 activities.
The collaborative group has published a leaflet which draws together current guidance, research, and safe practice consideration and resources to help keep singing and music going. This includes ‘suggested principles of safer singing’ Public Health England Guidance, published on Friday 20th November
The group is led by the Musical Care Taskforce, co-convened by Music for Dementia and Live Music now, working in partnership with National Care Forum, National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) and Care England.
Keeping singing in tune with COVID-19 restrictions’ will help carers and care providers decide whether and how to lead singing and music activities over the Christmas period and beyond, as well as setting out steps in planning and risk assessing a session.
The leaflet highlights why singing is important, especially during current times, and stresses that it’s not about how well you can do it, it’s about having a go, joining in and having fun.
Grace Meadows, Programme Director for Music for Dementia, said: “Christmas and singing are synonymous, and we want everyone – carers and residents alike – to be able to experience that uplifting feeling of joining in with familiar festive songs and carols in a COVID-safe way.”
Nina Swann, Acting Executive Director, Live Music Now, commented: “We are delighted to be supporting music and care professionals to work together to keep person-centred, meaningful music going in the current challenging and difficult circumstances.”
Martin Green, Chief Executive of Care England, said: “Singing and music are so important to people’s wellbeing, and I am so pleased that this document will help care homes to be able to continue to bring the joy of singing and music to their residents.“
Vic Rayner, Executive Director, National Care Forum, commented: “At NCF we think that music is absolutely at the heart of great care. Being able to sing together brings communities together -and never has it been more important to have that sense of connection. We hope that this resource will support organisations to once more raise the rafters as they begin that all important countdown to Christmas.”
Hilary Woodhead, Executive Director, NAPA, said: “Creating connections through song and singing is an integral part of activity and engagement and supports wellbeing. If anyone would like to discuss how to introduce the approaches included in the leaflet – please call the Free NAPA helpline on 0800 1585503 or email helpline@www.napa-activities.com.” 

Click on the image below for the leaflet

Click Here for Government Guidance