A resident at a Hexham care home is reaping the benefits from a music programme which enables her to express herself and feel less anxious.

Angela, who stays at Oaklands on Anick Road, is one of many residents engaged in the Music 2 Empower programme.

The initiative provides regular music sessions and offers Angela, along with others, an outlet to manage her worries better.

Speaking about the programme, Angela said: "I like music, I like dancing and when there’s a song with a beat to it, I start singing along."

The Music 2 Empower programme, launched by Cygnet Health Care in 2019, is implemented in all their hospitals.

The initiative supports music therapy-related projects, allowing residents to showcase their abilities, find hope, and inspire others.

Hexham Courant: Angela, who stays at Oaklands on Anick Road, is one of many residents engaged in the Music 2

At Oaklands, a services branch of Cygnet Social Care division, the team aids individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs.

They also assist those with additional mental or physical health needs.

Daramola Hamed, Angela's activities coordinator and support worker, said: "During these music therapy sessions, one thing I always noticed about Angela was how much her face lit up and how much she enjoyed the sessions compared to other things.

"For her, I’d say music was a form of release.

"She is somebody who is always feeling worried but whenever the music sessions are on, she drops the worries and just enjoys herself."

Juan Fitzgerald, a nurse at Oaklands for 28 years, assists in conducting the music sessions.

He said: "You can tell by the smiles on their faces when they do it that they are enjoying it.

"Angela was a little unsure when we first started but I encouraged her to bang a drum and shake some other instruments.

"She was soon really enjoying it and felt part of a group."

Dr Tony Romero, the CEO of Cygnet, added: "Music can be a powerful agent for change.

"Being creative and expressing yourself through music is an important outlet for many of our service users.

"Music is an important tool which can bring a renewed sense of purpose, achievement and motivation to reach personal recovery goals and ultimately this can have a hugely positive impact on mental wellbeing."

You can watch Angela’s Music 2 Empower video on Vimeo via https://vimeo.com/893629808?share=copy.