Music and Memories Hits The High Notes with an Award Nomination.

Music and Memories is an innovative local business set up by Kay Wood that provides singing and reminiscence sessions in care homes and day centres in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

Kay established her business, Music & Memories, in January 2015 with the support of Prime Cymru, Business Wales and A4E after the local job centre suggested self employment and asked Kay what she’d most like to do and so the idea was born.

Kay who lives in Talley used to sang with a six piece acappella group, performing at care homes in Shropshire and Powys, making a special point of including songs that people sing along with.

Since staring in January Kay’s has been nominated and shortlisted for an award with Prime Cymru.

The patron of Prime Cymru, HRH Prince of Wales, will be present at the awards ceremony (being held at Nanteos Mansion, Aberystwyth on Friday 10th July).

Kay stated that:

The Welsh Commissioner for Older People has written a review promoting social stimulation within care homes. She understands that lack of stimulation can lead to older people withdrawing, both physically and emotionally. This has a significant impact on their health, wellbeing and quality of life.

My sing-along and reminiscence sessions encourage residents to sing songs they know and love and that hold meaning for them.

I have received many positive comments from residents and family members. One lady said “Thank you for bringing such joy to my day. Please would you come again?”

Singing is a fun way to improve physical and mental health and I feel very privileged to be able to play a part in that role.  People certainly seemed to provide a very different reaction when merely listening or taking part.

Kay spends her mornings contacting care homes to tell them about the services she provides.

In the afternoons she visits care homes and day centres providing the sing-along or reminiscence sessions.

The sessions last for an hour.

When asked about her work Kay stated:

I arrive earlier so that I can spend time speaking to people before the sessions starts and usually stay after the session has finished to have a chat and also gain some feedback to see if there is any way I can improve future sessions for them.

I have books of lyrics of all the songs that will be sung. Some people like to use them some do not. I also have percussion instruments. Quite a number of the residents have varying levels of dementia.

Not everyone has the capacity to sing but everyone is able to participate and gain from the session at some level. I have had so many positive comments from residents and family members …

• “Thank you for coming. I love a good sing.”

• “Dad loves singing. It was lovely to come in and see him singing along with everyone.”

• “The old songs are the best.”

• “Music is magical. It reaches my aunt more than anything else.”

• “It was lovely talking about the old days. They were hard times but good times.”

• “I haven’t heard Mum speak for a long time but she sang every word to that song.”

• “I used to be in a male voice choir. It is good to be singing again.”

• “Thanks for coming. You’ve made my day.”

• “Music links me, my children and grandchildren.”

• “I love singing because it makes me happy.”

Kay clearly loves her work, stating that singing and sharing memories increases physical and emotional well-being and that ‘it is an honour to be able to provide this service and an absolute pleasure to see and hear the positive reactions as a result of people taking part.’

For further information or bookings please contact Kay Wood:

07860278687 / kaywood435@btinternet.com

Best of luck at the Award Ceremony Kay!