Wishes and dreams can come true
Music therapy sessions are hitting the right note with Donald Ingleby, who attends Emscote Day Services in Warwick.
Emscote is part of Warwickshire County Council’s Day Service Provision for adults with learning disabilities. Earlier this year staff at the centre applied to the ‘Mervyn Jefferies Wishes and Dreams Fund’ for funding to enable Donald to have a series of music therapy Sessions.
‘Mervyn’s Fund’ provides money for people with learning disabilities to get involved in activities and opportunities that fall outside of the county council’s usual funding criteria.
Music therapy is a therapeutic treatment which uses music to address specific difficulties of an individual. It is based mainly on improvised music in which clients can express themselves, become aware of their feelings and interact more easily.
Cath Malyon, Donald’s key worker, explained
“Donald had already had some music therapy sessions in a small group, but because of the nature of his disability the group setting didn’t suit him. That was when we decided to apply for funding for Donald to have some individual sessions.”
Donald has severe learning disabilities and limited communication. The funding provided Donald with a series of fourteen half hour sessions with Patricia Herdianto, a Music Therapist with Warwickshire County Music Service.
Patricia explained that initially when the sessions started Donald appeared very anxious and distracted, and chose to wander around the room a lot, paying little attention to the instruments.
Patricia said,
“Gradually I built a relationship with Donald through the instruments and the music. I started by playing to Donald and following him as he walked, offering different instalments.
“In the last four sessions Donald was completely relaxed, he would approach the piano himself, and particularly loved the guitar, he enjoys strumming whilst I do the chords.”
Patricia added
“Donald is a charming man and has benefited greatly from the sessions. The change in him over the past 14 weeks has been amazing.”
Suzanne Hotten, Deputy Manager at Emscote Day Services, said
“The benefits for Donald have been so great that we are now seeking funding elsewhere to enable Donald to continue with the sessions.”