String of Hearts is happy to announce that we have received an Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant to deliver Spotlights - a collaboration between older adults and professional musicians to produce an album celebrating the lives, stories and ideas of our local community.
The project will enable older adults who do not have internet access to write high quality musical works, over the phone. It builds upon our Music Hotline initiative, in which String of Hearts musicians have delivered over 250 music phone calls for people in Trafford and Wythenshawe. The Music Hotline enables person-centred musical engagement without the delay experienced on video conferencing software.
“Being ill for a few years, I had forgotten music. This has re-awakened something in me”.
Participant, Stretford
“It’s released in me a little bit of happiness, with the help of connection to the outside world” Participant, Sale
“I’m elated that somebody cares”
Participant, Wythenshawe
The Spotlights album will be shared with older adults in our wider community through community partners Stretford Public Hall, Our Sale West, Buzz Health & Wellbeing Service and Age Friendly Wythenshawe.
Spotlights aims to shine a light on the creativity of local people who have been hidden due to Covid-19. The project will push the boundaries of what can be achieved creatively over the phone, to remove barriers to participating in arts and culture in later life.
With huge thanks to Arts Council England for their kind support of this project.
To find out more about the Music Hotline, check out our blog on the Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance here.
