Give the gift of time and change the tune for someone in need
Community music charity, Music24, is urging people to consider gifting their time to support a good cause in their community.
The charity that runs Singing Cafes and music groups for adults living with dementia, learning disabilities and mental health challenges across Luton and Bedfordshire, knows very well, how valuable volunteers are and how they help change people’s lives for the better.
“We are always looking for volunteers,” said Jen Harris, the charity’s Operations Lead, “they are the beating heart of our charity; without them we could not deliver the twenty music groups we run across Beds and Herts 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.”
Graeme Davis, Music24 Co-Founder and Lead Music Therapist said, “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, resulting in their own sense of 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.”
Volunteering for a charity like Music24 can be very rewarding in many ways; like seeing, first hand, the positive impact that the work of the charity has on people in need of community intervention, like making new friends, like participating at special one-off or annual events and being recognised for their contribution of precious time.
Jen Harris said, “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, or check out the many regional volunteering opportunities out there on platforms like CVS Beds and sign up online.
Now is the time. You are needed.”
For more information on how to volunteer for Music24 contact [email protected] .