Patients and staff at Bournemouth Hospital, Dorset County Hospital and Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital will be visited by BSO Associate musicians, highly experienced workshop leaders based in local communities, who will perform interactive musical sessions.

Hugh Nankivell, BSO Associate, said “For many people living with dementia being in hospital is very distressing. Music can be an oasis, a journey into a different world where they can relax and communicate in a comfortable and playful space. I have been privileged to be a witness to this transformation.”

Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Dementia Action Week’, taking place from Monday 20 May to Sunday 26 May, aims to unite people, work places, schools and communities to take action and improve the lives of people living with dementia.

Over the last few years, we have embedded working with people living with dementia at the heart of its practice. This work was recognised by Alzheimer’s Society in 2017 when they awarded us ‘Dementia Friendly Organisation of the Year’.

We are continuing to take action to improve and enrich the lives of people living with dementia, and are now hosting more dementia-friendly events across the South West than ever before. This year, we have already hosted 35 dementia-friendly events and engaged with over 1,200 people living with dementia.

Our dementia-friendly work ranges from projects specifically designed for those living with dementia, such as its Cake Concerts, to ensuring that its wider community events, such as Tea Dances or care home visits, are accessible for everyone.