LMN is one of the few organisations providing live music activities for adults with learning difficulties and we have identified development of our work in this sector as a priority.

In 2002 the Mencap Arts Team found that 84% of individuals consulted through its membership of over 1000 groups were interested in learning more about music. When asked what prevented them from experiencing live music, typical responses were "I don't get to hear about things"; "no one will take me"; "I feel too shy and nervous"; "I don't feel welcome".

LMN goes direct to the centres and clubs catering for adults with a learning disability to deliver live music projects in the service users' own setting. Our long-term aim is to establish a programme over three years to provide regular music activity for groups of adults with learning difficulties, and monitoring the cumulative effect of regular exposure to live music activities delivered by specially trained musicians.

The Government's White Paper, Valuing People: A New Strategy for Learning Disability for the 21st Century (2001) states: " Leisure … tends to be seen as an optional extra, generally coming well down the list of agencies' priorities when decisions are being made about resources. Enabling people to use a wider range of leisure opportunities can make a significant contribution to improving quality of life, can help to tackle social exclusion, and encourage healthy lifestyles."

By working closely with our partner organisations such as Mencap and local authority service providers, LMN is helping to address key strands of the Disability Equality Duty at the same time as enabling people with learning disabilities to enjoy the unique benefits of involvement in live music.

Promote equality of opportunity between disabled people and other people	Increased access by people with learning difficulties to live music in an inclusive environment.	A vital source of personal fulfillment, satisfaction and development.
Take steps to meet disabled people's needs, even if this requires more favourable treatment	An outlet for self-expression and creativity through involvement in music,	Especially important for people who are not verbally articulate and whose feelings are often ignored or misunderstood.
Encourage participation by disabled people in public life	Unique opportunities for interaction, communication and confidence building.	Working in groups over many hours enables participants to develop meaningful relationships and to learn transferable skills such as turn-taking, listening and eye contact.
Promote positive attitudes towards disabled people	Greater community inclusion of people with high support needs.	Inclusion in mainstream music groups provides opportunities to bond with others as people work towards a shared goal and to develop long-lasting friendships born of mutual respect.

Participants were involved throughout the performance as the members of the band encouraged everyone to sing, dance, clap, play percussion etc. Music performed was relevant and familiar to all and I felt that our audience were valued at all times. Centre for adults with learning disabilities, South West