JULY 2020
Seagull Café Newsletter Welcome to More Music’s Seagull Café Newsletter
If you need help or support we have included resources in this newsletter
Spirit of 2012 Funding Awarded to More Music for Music For Health Projects in Morecambe We are thrilled to be awarded further funding from Spirit of 2012 to continue the Seagull Café in partnership with Bay Medical Group. Spirit of 2012 are a grant making trust and a legacy project of the London 2012 Olympics. They believe that by supporting organisations like More Music, people can be more active, creative and connected, which in turn leads to positive social outcomes.
Here’s what Seagull Café visitors said:
We want to continue to help improve the health and well-being of people in Morecambe. We know that singing together and having friendly conversations can help people feel better. We believe that this work that connects our community and shows that we care has never been more important than at this very unusual time. During the lockdown period, creative work that brings people together has made a big difference to many.
As we look ahead and when the lockdown is eased, we need to continue to build on this and are exploring ways to include people who find it difficult or are unable to leave to leave their homes. Once it is safe to do so we will be opening the doors at More Music to Seagull Café, a sociable, fun and musical environment. Our weekly sessions have already been proven to have a positive effect on the mental health and wellbeing of people who come along.
"Coming to Seagull Café makes a big difference to our lives, from feeling isolated and uneasy we look forward to Tuesdays and come away feeling more positive."
“This project has made a major difference to my Dad’s life. He is more confident in social situations, loves the singing and is still singing the songs throughout the week at home.”
JULY 2020
News That Little Spring Thing Update More Music usually holds That Spring Thing in April celebrating the changing of the season with a community festival of planting, workshops and performances. As this wasn’t possible this year, we’ve been visiting people who live very close to our building in the West End of Morecambe and offering them some gardening packs, put together with Pétalos Garden Design. Lots of people are now growing sunflowers which will link up the gardens and yards on Parliament Street and beyond and are talking to us about ideas for new projects with More Music that would make a positive difference for them.
Bill and Sian have created two fun singalong films for ‘All I Have To Do is Dream, and ‘Music Here Today’. You can watch them and other More Music films by searching for More Music Morecambe on YouTube
Local resident Mick and his sunflowers
With support from Creative West End, we also asked performers with a connection to the West End of Morecambe to make new work on the theme ‘The Power of Small Things’. You can watch the results in a film on YouTube – just search ‘West End Window That Little Spring Thing’ or type in https://youtu.be/JErw4b3y1s8
Pétalos Garden Design have been making a selection of beautiful pots for gardens. If you would like to buy one, just call Louise on 07447 839792
JULY 2020
News & Resources Backyard Boogie In usual times visitors to More Music experience a connection with people who want to sing and to make music. Every Tuesday Seagull Cafe offers this plus a chance to breathe, to dance and to chat to others.
Wellbeing Wednesday
Many of the older people More Music works with have missed their weekly burst of friendliness and music. In response to this, members of the team have been visiting the yards and gardens of Seagull Café regulars and local care homes for a socially distanced, live music sing along.
West End Impact have a Wellbeing Wednesday event every week now and welcome any new members. Currently it is through their Facebook page due to COVID-19 restrictions.
This group is peer led and helps people check in and gain support whilst we are socially isolated.
From great self care tips to just being there for you, they have it all. Just search for West End Impact Mental health support on Facebook.
A Visit with Roger Roger rejoices in his good health after years of hard work as a plasterer and tells us that his foot tapping and rhythmic play has just been something he discovered for himself. Today in his neat back yard he sits and ‘hoofs’ along to tunes. Occasionally, he stands and moves his shoulders and his arms in a subtle way. Pete and Roger sing quietly together, his daughter arrives with Sunday lunch and stays to film and enjoy the moment.
A Visit with Pat It is a sunny day when Pete visits Pat in her garden. She sits and chats and tells how as well as as a singer, she is a self taught dancer. No lessons, just years of feeling rhythm and dancing. She holds an optimistic view of life and although she has a very supportive family she has been knocked by a minor stroke, a couple of years ago.This however has not diminished her joy of music , she now dances in her chair , her arms moving with grace and swing.
Music connecting people – but safely. You can see the results on More Music ‘s You Tube channel If you know someone who would welcome a visit then call us on 01524 831997.
JULY 2020
Quiz & Resources Seagull Café Summer Wordsearch
Bring Me Laughter at Home
Diabetes Helpline
Each week, Gil Graystone from The Dukes shares some of the activities and information from their dementia-friendly Bring Me Laughter project. There’s articles to read, to listen to and activities to take part in at home. Read the full range at www.dukeslancaster.org/bringme-laughter-from-home Or have a go at creating your own song with their tips: Collect together a small number of random objects Decide on a character based on one of the objects Ask a number of questions similar to the ones above: What is their name? Where do they live?
Did you know about the new NHS Diabetes Helpline? NHS England have just launched a new helpline in response to disruption to normal diabetes services due to the COVID-19 pandemic and response.
Special thanks to our funders
The service is for adults living with diabetes who use insulin to manage their condition and require immediate clinical advice. You can access NHS Diabetes Advice via Diabetes UK's support line on 0345 123 2399 Monday-Friday from 9am-6pm.
The Silver Line The only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Call any time on: 0800 4 70 80 90 SPIRIT OF 2012 INVESTING IN HAPPINESS