Music therapy sessions in Taunton are striking a chord with members of the community.
Launched by MHA Communities South Somerset, the events aim to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation through the power of song and shared experience.
Originally held at Lisieux Way Methodist Church, the sessions moved to Tennyson Court in July after a conversation with the scheme manager about engaging residents in meaningful activities.
The session held on Monday, July 13, attracted 43 attendees, prompting organisers to make Tennyson Court the new weekly venue.
Tara Evans, communities manager for MHA Communities South Somerset, said: "We have had some great engagement from the sessions so far and we hope that is the case moving forward.
"Music is so incredibly powerful, and you can see people’s eyes light up when they recognise the songs.
"We recorded some feedback where we asked members how they felt before and after the session and the results were consistently positive."
Currently funded by the Fairfield Charitable Trust, the pilot programme is nearing its conclusion.
Ms Evans said: "Currently our sessions are funded by the Fairfield Charitable Trust and thanks to their support we have been able to run a pilot of music therapy sessions in the community with just one more session remaining, which is on August 24.
"Our plan is to continue and offer more of these sessions, and we are hoping we can get organisations on board to support us financially.
"These sessions would not be possible without funding and should be available to people in the community where many would never experience them due to cost.
"The church has been brilliant in offering us the space and support to start the pilot sessions and Michelle, who is the treasurer and lettings secretary, really went above and beyond to support the initiative.
"Working in conjunction with Tennyson Court is great as it helps us to create those community links and reach out to people who need support, and I am confident that will continue to happen."
Michelle Noble, treasurer and lettings secretary for Lisieux Way Methodist Church, praised the programme’s impact.
She said: "It has always been the church's aim to reach out and listen to our community's needs.
"Networking with MHA Music Therapy has been a joy to be involved in and to see the impact it makes to individuals' wellbeing."
Kelly Pike, scheme manager at Tennyson Court, highlighted the broader benefits for older residents.
She said: "We are proud to see the significant positive impact Musical Therapy is having on older people.
"By reducing isolation, promoting independence, and creating opportunities for meaningful social engagement, we are helping residents live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives."
The next session takes place on Monday, August 24, from 2pm to 3pm.
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