Dementia diagnoses in England have reached a record high. As well as a debilitating disease, dementia can be isolating. A holistic approach to supporting the wellbeing of people directly, and indirectly affected is essential. Music-based intervention provides those living with dementia, their carers and loved ones an opportunity to sustain relationships and share experiences, helping to lessen the often-upsetting symptoms of dementia such as agitation, anxiety and depression.

Hear and Now enables those with dementia, carers and young musicians to share lived experiences in a unifying way, fostering strong relationships within communities. Multidisciplinary workshops provide space for participants to collaborate with Philharmonia musicians to create music reflective of their experience, culture and heritage. This process celebrates creativity and nurtures confidence for young people, who receive coaching and play alongside professional musicians.