MHA has launched an appeal to raise money to provide music therapy to residents living with dementia at Brockworth House care home.

The charity providing care, accommodation and support service for older people hopes to raise £47,500.

Using Music Therapy, specially trained music therapists can regulate residents’ emotions to alleviate symptoms and identify their possible causes.

Music Therapy is becoming increasingly important as it can modify a patient’s behaviour by significantly alleviating agitation and even reduce a patient’s reliance on drugs.

Laura Bolton is the Music Therapist at Brockworth House, where she currently provides Music Therapy on a one to one basis and in group sessions for a limited number of dementia residents.

She said: “As dementia progresses and the ability to comprehend and use language often declines, sometimes music is one of the only things left that people can respond to and understand.

"This is due to the way that music is represented in our brains. The sessions I provide are aimed at supporting people according to their own specific needs.

"Individual sessions can be particularly helpful when people are limited in their interactions with others, possibly due to mobility issues, impaired communication skills or have other unwanted symptoms of dementia such as anxiety and depression.

"With increased funding we would be able to reach more people living with dementia, for longer periods.”

Local people are being urged to support the campaign either with direct donations or through organising fundraising events or activities.

To find out how you can fundraise for the Music Therapy Appeal go to www.bestforages/swmusictherapy