We are running small group music therapy sessions at 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
“He is far more confident to take part and follow others in the group”
“The sessions have really helped him focus and relax. I can now use music if he is distressed”
The groups had a positive impact on the parent/carer’s relationship with their child.
- 90% said their relationship with their child had improved
- 80% connected with other parents & carers.
95% 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 the National Lottery Awards for All for funding this project.
