At The Lawns we support several people with differing needs that require multi-sensory stimulation but also have needs that can prevent them from accessing some activities and sessions in the community.
We were contacted by Paul at All Inclusive Music last year at a time where we were trying to improve and refresh our in house activities. Paul offered us a music session for the people we support at The Lawns which promoted choice, control and engagement.
We have benefited from these sessions in so many ways. Paul is a very friendly and patient man and ensures that in a group session everyone is able to choose the music the Paul plays no matter what their communication needs are. Each person is able to use a musical instrument from a shaker to helping to play the guitar and of course singing.
Paul will either have a session based in a room and people will come to him or he will take the music to individuals, ensuring that he respects an individual’s space when needed.
We have enjoyed these sessions so much that one of the people we support hires Paul once a week for a personal music session as he often becomes reclusive and shut off from other people. Paul involves this individual by playing the songs this person is interested in and has gradually progresses to including them to strum the guitar and occasionally he comes in with his electric guitar for a rocking session.From the group sessions to the one to one sessions each person appears to enjoy the music session time.
We have seen so much benefit from these sessions that we have recommended Paul to another care home we know and they tell me that his sessions with them are just as fantastic.
Cris Sherratt – Home Manager, The Lawns
March 2017