Picture above shows Hayley Westenra joining a music therapy session at Headway
music therapy
Funds from the Henley Festival Trust are supporting a music therapy service for the head injured in Henley. In a groundbreaking three way partnership with Nordoff Robbins and national charity Headway, this scheme is bringing music to attendees at Headway Thames Valley's centre in Henley.
Music therapist Sharon Warnes runs sessions one to one and in small groups for around 26 attendees each week. So successful and impactful on people’s lives has this service been that we are committed to extending the provision in the future. All funds raised by donations go to provide more equipment and to take music therapy into the wider community.
Research suggests that in the right setting, music therapy has positive effects both for clients, their families and carers, Head injuries come about through a wide range of causes, including car accidents, accidents at works, violent assaults, sports injuries or accidents in the home. Worryingly, there is a marked increase in the number of brain injuries to young people aged 17 - 25 suffered in car accidents and it is this group that our appeal fund will look to help.
Headway attendees enjoying the weekly choir session
Music Therapy uses the power of music to help brain injured people find an improved quality of life.
Through the creative approach to musical improvisation, music therapists are able to help people with a wide range of needs to find new ways to express themselves, develop new relationships and explore their own creativity.
In this ground-breaking partnership, Henley Festival Trust has teamed up with Nordoff Robbins, a national music charity dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults affected by illness, disability, trauma or isolation. With headquarters in London the charity provides a range of specialist music services around the UK to people of all ages in a range of settings in health, social care, and education sectors. Its practitioners provide music therapy services and a small but growing number of music and health projects to over 70 partner organisations, one of which is ours in Henley. The charity also provides masters level training in music therapy and a PhD programme (validated by City University), and a burgeoning research department.
Headway is the UK's leading Brain Injury support charity. Providing day centres and rehabilitation for adults of all ages, with brain injuries or damage resulting from RTAs, stroke and other illnesses.
Please give generously to this worthwhile appeal.
