Music project hits the right notes

People who receive Wheatley Group’s Livingwell Service are taking a musical trip down memory lane.

New portable record players are sparking memories and helping people aged 55 and over live independently at home.

Older people are dusting off their old vinyl LPs and sharing tunes and stories with others in the communal lounges and community rooms.

Community Engagement and Activities Lead, Michael Timmons, said: “Music is a really powerful way to help people and support positive mental health.

“For older adults and those with dementia it can stir long-forgotten memories, conversations and connections with others. This doesn’t really cost anything to do but can make such a big difference.”

Jean Hamilton, from Lourdes Court in Glasgow, loves the project. She said: “Music is one of the joys of living.

“It’s nice to hear songs you have not heard for a long time. We all like different things. It takes you right back to when you were younger, when you would be with your school friends and play a new record over and over and over so you could learn the words.”

The record players were funded by the Lens Project – a social enterprise which helps businesses get their ideas off the ground.

Loretto Care staff got the idea for the project after working with charity, Playlist.

Playlist gets people to create a playlist of favourite songs from their life to help to help improve mental health.