Following a pilot project in Spring 2022, we are now running small group music therapy sessions at all 6 Richmond Children’s Centres in partnership with Achieving for Children.
The groups are for children aged 1-4 who have a language and/or communication delay, or showed anxiety and social difficulties, perhaps caused by the Covid restrictions, or where English is not the mother tongue. Some have a confirmed/potential neurodevelopmental diagnosis.
The therapists use guitar, keyboard, voice, a selection of percussion instruments and familiar songs to help children differentiate you’ from ‘me’ and ‘self’ from ‘other’ and to help promote parent/carer-child interaction.
The sessions aim to help children develop confidence, independence, communication and social interaction and to increase focus and participation.
OUTCOMES
- 95% children are showing improved listening skills.
- 75% are showing improved communication skills (including non-verbal e.g. eye contact, turn taking)
- 75% are showing spontaneous, creative play.
The sessions had a positive impact on the parent/carer’s relationship with their child.
- 90% connected with other parents & carers.
- 80% increased understanding and co-operation with their child
100% of parents said they had learnt how to use music therapy techniques and simple songs at home to promote play and teach new language vocabulary.
Many thanks to Youth Music for funding this project.
