New Bridgwater music project for learning disabled adults
published on 3 Nov 2023
Bridgwater Salvation Army welcomed 63 learning disabled adults and their carers from the local area to take part in its inaugural Music Man workshop earlier this week.
The Music Man workshops are held in partnership with the Music Man Project, a multi award winning international music education charity for people with learning disabilities.
The Salvation Army’s Commanding Officer at Bridgwater, Heather Culshaw, launched the project to bring the benefits of social connection through music to church members and other learning disabled people in and around the town.
She said: “I am absolutely delighted in the level of interest in our first workshop, it was a joy to see people coming together and having so much fun.
“The Salvation Army in Bridgwater has always served the people in our community who are often the most marginalised and isolated, bringing about opportunities for people to connect with each other. Music is a great enabler, and we want these workshops to bring joy, new friendships, confidence, and a sense of achievement to everyone who takes part.”
Participants sang songs, played percussion instruments, danced and learned Makaton signs in an energetic inaugural workshop, pausing for a refreshment break halfway through.
Heather was joined at the first workshop by David Stanley, CEO of the Music Man Project along with six project ambassadors, and Chris Stringer, The Salvation Army’s Learning Disability Inclusion Manager.
The Music Man workshops will resume again in the New Year, with the first taking place on Thursday 11 January from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Workshops will take place every two weeks thereafter.
For more information, or to book your place at the next workshop, contact Lieutenant Heather on 07825 264677 or email heather.culshaw@salvationarmy.org.uk
