About Music for Dementia
Our campaign
It is anticipated that there will be 1.14m people living with dementia in the UK by 2025, according to Alzheimer’s Research – up from around 885,000 today.
What’s the change we’re seeking to make?
We believe that everyone living with dementia should have access to music as part of their care from diagnosis to end of life, whatever their age, social or economic status.
This is not currently the case. We want to make this happen on a national level, ensuring that:
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People with dementia are reached and supported in their access to appropriate music as an integral part of their care plan
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Carers, health workers, politicians, the music industry and the general public are aware of the benefits of music for people living with dementia
What we are doing
Raising awareness
and understanding on a national level around the importance, role of, and need for music to be an
integral part of dementia care
We can do this
because of the robust and
developing evidence base for
music and dementia
Creating catalytic change
through influencing change makers, policy and decision makers and leaders by working across sectors
Bringing people together
With organisations and creating a collaborative movement through our Musical Care Taskforce to work towards our common goal
Providing information through our website
signposting people to the vast range of services and events available as listed on our Musical Map , as well as being a central point for the latest research, and providing general advice on how to use and make music a part of dementia care
Who are we
The Music for Dementia team is small and dynamic, with great connections to the health and care sector, the music industry, music service providers and government. Our size allows us to be flexible and agile, responding to changing needs and priorities. Great communication is key to our working style.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They keep us focused on our purpose:
- Outcomes-focused
- Catalytic
- Collaborative
- Opportunistic
- Innovative
Get to know us
The Utley Foundation
The Foundation was formed in 2014 to advance social causes close to the heart of its trustees, Nicky and Neil Utley, Raja Balasuriya and Melvyn Sims. A private family charitable trust, it also acts as a catalyst for greater funding and wider action for the causes it supports.
The Foundation is particularly focused on how music can support people living with dementia. It has formed strategic partnerships with several organisations in this sphere covering a wide range of musical activities, from live music to personalised playlists. This deep interest demonstrates the Foundation’s commitment as a pioneering philanthropic financier in the sector.
We recognise that there are many excellent activities that need funding. While we welcome organisations to apply for funding, if they feel that their project fits with our grant guidelines, please note that we are not currently accepting unsolicited applications. For our application guidelines, please refer to The Utley Foundation.
How you can support us
The Music for Dementia campaign is an initiative of The Utley Foundation, which is a grant-making charitable foundation. As well as backing Music for Dementia, The Utley Foundation also makes grants to charities in the field of music and dementia from singing groups to orchestras.
You can find out about the organisations we work with by visiting our Supporters page.
Related articles
Our supporters
Individually it’s hard to make enough noise, but together we can achieve great things in improving quality of life.
Read moreAmbassador and Patrons
We are proud to have the endorsement of several passionate ambassadors and patrons.
Read moreOur story
The campaign was set up in response to the ILC-UK Commission report, published in 2018.
Read more