REGULAR music concerts aimed at reaching out to older, isolated people, will be coming to Northwich, starting from next week.

A new partnership between Music in Hospitals & Care (MiHC) and Age UK branches across the north of England has created a programme of events which aim to reach out to people who may have become isolated and lonely, including those living within the community with dementia or other health issues.

The three-year project is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and will be launched with an inaugural concert at Castle Community Centre on Wednesday, March 20.

The project is open to anyone over 50 who will benefit from participating in a fun and welcoming cultural and social event. MiHC professional musicians will provide an exciting and varied programme of regular concerts, so there will be something for everyone.

Jess Ingham, director north of MiHC said: “Our musicians are carefully chosen by audition to ensure that they not only demonstrate great musicianship, but they also have the ability to connect and engage with people.

“Our aim is to create joy through live music, to raise mood, boost feelings of wellbeing and to bring people together for a high-quality musical experience.

"At Music in Hospitals & Care, we are continually developing and building our programme of therapeutic concerts throughout the UK. This is a great opportunity to tackle loneliness by providing regular music events for local communities. We are delighted to be working closely with a number of Age UK centres in the North of England to achieve this.”

Sean Ray, social activities officer, who manages Castle Community Centre, added: “Age UK Cheshire’s Castle Community Centre has become a real hub for the community and offers a range of skills and leisure classes and activities for people over 55, designed to help them enjoy later life. We are very happy to welcome the Music in Hospital & Care concerts to Castle. This will add another fun, social activities session to our programme, further helping those who take part to enjoy later life.

“I am sure the concerts will help to increase wellbeing and reduce isolation for our visitors, including our customers living with dementia.”