Live Music Now were delighted to partner once again with Parkhaven Trust, bringing live music to two of their homes – The Beeches and James Page House – thanks to funding from the P.H. Holt Foundation. Over five months, Live Music Now musicians delivered engaging and interactive music sessions, supporting residents’ emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing.
The Beeches is a residential and nursing service for people with dementia and James Page House is a nursing home for older people, both located in Maghull, Merseyside. Each home received 16 visits, with multiple sessions delivered across different units. The majority of performances were led by musician-in-residence Ste Forshaw, whose ongoing engagement with staff and residents enabled sessions to be tailored to the needs of each home. Guest harpist Elinor Nicholson also joined the project, providing musical variety with her unique blend of classical and pop-inspired sounds.
Live Music Now music sessions are interactive and participatory. Residents, families and staff were invited to sing, play percussion instruments and move to the music. At James Page House, where many residents have physical disabilities, musicians adapted by moving around the home to reach residents individually or in small groups, ensuring everyone could participate.
“I learned more about the importance of engaging family members as well as residents and how music can be a powerful force for bonding and bringing joyful moments in very difficult circumstances… I think the atmosphere can be very challenging at this home at times and staff clearly enjoyed having some music to brighten the day.” said Ste Forshaw, musician.
Take Note Resources
A new addition to this year’s residencies was the use of Take Note resources, developed by the University of Roehampton and Sounds of Intent. These music-based tools provide care home staff with structured activities to enhance residents’ wellbeing, including those living with dementia. Ste Forshaw spent time with staff demonstrating how to use the resources, leaving a valuable legacy that will ensure music continues to benefit residents beyond the residency. This addition was made possible with support from the Julia Rausing Trust.
“We are keen to implement and utilise take note as part of our weekly activities program coordinated by our activities assistant.” Diane, Manager, The Beeches
Impact on Residents and Staff
Musicians submitted feedback after each session, complemented by staff evaluations. Responses highlighted the uplifting and engaging nature of the performances, the opportunities for social bonding and the enhancement of residents’ overall wellbeing.
Diane, Manager at The Beeches, said, “Everyone was included, even those in their rooms had a musician come in. Music sessions have a positive impact on most if not all of the residents… Excellent service, really enjoyed all around.”
“This is my third time delivering at this home and it has been a wonderful opportunity to develop my practice in accordance with feedback from last year… I developed one on one interaction and group participation through improvisation exercises, rhythm exercises and singing and dancing.” said Ste Forshaw.
Resident Case Studies
James Page House
- June’s husband would always visit and during music she could become very talkative and they had many moving moments of connection during these times, singing together and June shouting out how much she has always loved her husband.
- Arabella is 100 and very frail. She is often in pain and suffers headaches and has her head down. Music can provide some respite and distraction from these symptoms as she would lift herself up and join in.
The Beeches
- Arthur is rarely able to talk these days but began telling his wife how much he loves her during a one-to-one performance of a song which is important to them both.
- Tara would sometimes walk with me from one wing to the other so she could participate in both sessions, she needs support walking and her engagement with the music was energising and helping get her steps in.
Names of residents have been changed.
Photo credit: Sophie Whitley. Photos taken August 2025 at The Beeches Care Home and James Page House. All permissions granted.
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