Earlier in the year, we awarded funding to Accessible Arts & Media, a small charity based in Chapelfields, York.
Our funding was awarded towards their Movers and Shakers group, a weekly music, movement and social group for adults with complex learning and physical disabilities.
The group delivered 32 one hour sessions between February and June for 35 regular participants with complex needs, who were all supported by their carers.
The members of Movers and Shakers showed off what they get up to in their regular sessions in ‘The Big Spring Showcase’. This was the charity's March social sharing performance, which included getting everyone in the audience of 100 involved in hat dancing, which is a favourite activity in weekly sessions.
Within sessions, the participants enjoyed playing musical games together, lots of movement and dancing and dressing up, as well as exploring different musical instruments and sensory resources. Activities are designed to support members in developing communication skills with the team using a Total Communication approach, combining speech, signing, gestures, body language and facial expressions. This makes sure each member of the group is supported to communicate and express opinion and choice in the way that works best for them.
There is a heavy emphasis on socialising and supporting members to make connections within the group. The sessions start and end with quality time singing hello and goodbye to each individual, and the group have written their own song where every verse celebrates a different member of the group and their special interest.
Movers & Shakers has a significant impact on members’ wellbeing; highlighted here by a few comments from supporters:
‘H feels a part of the team at Movers and Shakers. Its her time to create sounds and music with lovely instruments and be independent and confidant without her support worker.’
‘C really comes out of her shell when she is here. The sense of freedom but also familiarity bring out a side of her that we don’t always see’
'What I really liked was when the participants were able to control the speed and the start and stop of the music because so much of their lives is out of control, that them being able to be in control of the whole room is such a positive experience for them'.
‘H is a firm lover of music and the musical sounds enhance his overall wellbeing and bring on relaxation afterwards and a sense of contentment all through the evening’