Website – What needs to be in it?
WHO we are (our purpose, our people)
Our purpose
We create connections through music, and between arts and health:
- Connecting Young Patients and their families to Music and an opportunity to do something normal outside of the clinical environment and not related to illness or medical treatment
- Connecting Parents to their baby or child in hospital when in ICU or when medical equipment limits the possibilities of touch and conversation
- Connecting young and old to their voice by offering choice and opportunity
- Connecting many as a family to their first live music experience and others to a memory of one of their last
WHAT we do (our programmes etc)
Music & Health Ireland exists to create and deliver equitable performances that comfort and connect.
We deliver our work in three ways:
We research and disseminate thought leadership on important learnings relevant to arts and health.
We train musicians to work safely in busy environments which can have strict risk protocols, with audience members who may have complex health or access needs.
We perform in sensitive health settings, creating programmes that respond to each audience member’s preferences, which can activate improvements in cognition, mood and quality of life.
WHY we exist (vision, mission, values)
Connecting with music
Creating connection is the work of Music & Health Ireland, and equity will be our watchword going forward – creating connections through music, and between arts and health.
We connect Young Patients and their families in creative activity not related to illness or medical treatment. We connect parents to their baby or child in ICU, when medical equipment limits the possibilities of touch and conversation. We help people find their voice by offering choice and opportunity. We connect families – sometimes in a first live music experience, and sometimes to their last.
HOW we work/to work with us (policies, work with healthcare etc)
Our approach to language and engagement
Our musicians are trained and understand that a Person Living with Dementia (PLWD) or other health issues faces challenges and needs reassurance and support. They are an individual, unique and valuable person with a name, rather than a condition.
When communicating with PLWD, the tools in our toolbox include eye contact, using the audience member’s name, use of pauses, speaking clearly and slowly, using short sentences, asking open-ended questions, one at a time. A key element of engagement is communication with care providers, carers, family members and participants ahead of a music engagement to fully understand the needs of individuals that we will meet.