A Nottinghamshire-born celebrity is among those backing a powerful Christmas film demonstrating the power of music for dementia.
Capital Breakfast and This Morning presenter, Sian Welby, who was raised in Upton and educated at Southwell’s Minster School, has come out in support of Music for Dementia’s ‘Give the Music Back’ film — alongside Tony Hadley, Tony Christie, Sian Reeves, and Sir Tony Robinson.
Inspired by the John Lewis ad, The Music for Dementia campaign conceived and shot the film in just ten days on a tiny budget, casting friends and family in the film to show how music can connect generations.
Sian Welby with her father, Ian. Photo: Supplied
Capital Breakfast and This Morning presenter, Sian Welby, shared the film on Instagram, where she said: “Music is so powerful for those suffering with dementia and in those moments where the music is playing, I get my dad back.”
The film opens with an old woman isolated and locked out of technology as she fumbles with a vinyl record and contemplates putting CDs into her toaster.
She is handed a children’s audio player by her six-year-old granddaughter, and with the simple inserted of a card, the Yoto Player instantly connects her with m4dRADIO — a radio station specifically designed to give those living with dementia non-stop access to music from different decades.
Music for Dementia has launches a shoestring Christmas ad, which has attracted celebrity backing. Photo: Supplied
Immediately, the family shares a special moment of connection across three generations, and the woman’s world becomes brighter.
Amy Shackleton, project lead at Music for Dementia says: “John Lewis’s Christmas campaign articulates something Music for Dementia has been advocating for years — that music connects us. It’s great that they are helping shine a light on the power of music, but we’re mindful that the people that need music the most often find it hardest to listen to because of barriers with technology.
“That’s why we decided to make our own Christmas film — albeit in just a few days and with a shoestring budget. We think it packs an emotional punch and it’s heartening to see that so many celebrities do too. We’re thrilled to have their backing.”
Music for Dementia spent the last year working with families living with dementia to understand why they struggle to listen to music, redesigning its m4dRADIO interface in order to make it easier. It is part of the charity’s Music Made Easy campaign launched earlier this year, calling on tech companies and music streamers to help older generations access their music.
Music for Dementia’s new Christmas ad wants to share the gift of music. Photo: Supplied
Singing legend Tony Christie, who was diagnosed with dementia in January 2023, is the only voice on the ad. He said: “I love this film because I get it. Music is what connects us but for people with dementia, it’s not always so easy to access.
“I’m lucky in that I get to sing almost every day, but when it comes to listening to music, my granddaughter Deia will take charge of the tech. We listen to old songs together and I reminisce with her. It’s very special.”
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