‘I have music in my life again.’ – positive progress for Willowbeck’s Chroma programme
17 January 2019
Since launching a unique music therapy programme at Willowbeck in Sheffield, residents have made positive progressions in their development, rehabilitation and general well-being in just eight weeks.
Specialist care home Willowbeck has been working with national organisation Chroma to deliver music therapy, a form of psychological rehabilitation that uses music, sound, instruments, and music technology to support people.
Music therapy is a regulated healthcare profession and some Willowbeck residents have been working with Chroma’s music therapist Sally Watson during the programme.
Sally has worked with people to get involved in playing a range of musical instruments, singing and song-writing to develop both communication and physical abilities in open group sessions and in one to one sessions.
One person has said that since taking part in song writing his mood has improved, he is able to express his feelings and feels a sense of achievement.
One resident said that he feels positive and said, ‘I have music going again in my life.’ Another person, following his engagement with neurologic music therapy, is now using vocal sounds more regularly to communicate with the care team and has started to say small words.
Chroma’s Sally Watson has been working with residents for eight weeks.
Sally said: “I have found that the sessions extremely positive and it is great to see the music therapy techniques working and making a difference to help people’s well-being, improve communication and physicality.
“It is so rewarding to hear such great feedback from the people who I am working with and to help people progress through music therapy.”
Sally is a qualified neurologic music therapist and has worked in a variety of settings with people of all ages, including schools, hospitals and prisons. She specialises in working with adults and children who live with a range of complex needs.
Willowbeck specialises in providing care for people who live with neuro-disabilities, brain injury and stroke, mental ill-health and physical disabilities.