Sunbeams Chief Executive, Annie Mawson – who was brought up near Cleator Moor – was absolutely delighted when the organization secured funding from the Copeland Community Fund in February 2011 to cover a 3 year period. The project ‘Music for Health and Wellbeing in Copeland’ was driven by demand from, and in consultation with the care homes and day centres in Copeland. Skilled Sunbeams Community Musician Mary Kipling has already delivered over 300 innovative, interactive Music for Health workshops since the project began to 180 elderly frail people and 20 physically disabled people from 8 Care Homes and 2 Day Centres in Copeland.
Annie explained, “At Sunbeams we are passionate about the people marginalised by disability and/or isolation, and the need for the innovative Sunbeams team to serve them with projects such as this. Support is provided at all sessions by Sunbeams volunteers and all the Sunbeams staff and trustees fully understand the value that our projects add to the community, with most of our members having experienced the care system first hand with their own families. Our workshops are focused around interactive live music and singing, drawing on a large range of different musical interventions, making use of instrument playing (including percussion), dancing (including carers), listening and appreciation of the music, all of which improve the quality of life and well-being of our beneficiaries, as well as addressing issues with social exclusion.”
She added, “Without the funds provided from the Copeland Community Fund, we would not be able to reach those most vulnerable in our society. At Sunbeams we believe that humanity is judged by its compassion – and Copeland has shown that it values its elderly and disabled citizens. We are most grateful for the grant award.”
