A CHURCH organist is using his talents to help people with dementia and autism.
Richard Ellis-Hawley, from Evenwood, has teamed up with Bridge Creative, a group that helps adults with autism and learning difficulties into work, to present musical therapy sessions.
Mr Ellis-Hawley is self-taught on the piano, organ, keyboard and brass and was recently admitted as a fellow to the Guild of Musicians and Singers.
The organist for Evenwood’s St Paul’s Church said: “You are meant to get presented with the certificate by Mrs [Hyacinth] Bucket, Dame Patricia Routledge, but everyone got Covid, so it got cancelled.”
He sees music as a way of giving back to the community, and uses his talent as a volunteer, playing at The Bowes Museum’s Christmas market and more recently being invited to perform at Beamish Museum.
But it is playing for those with dementia and autism that is most important to him.
He said: “I am autistic myself. Music is good for sensory development not just because it stimulates hearing but because it builds pathways in the brain. Music is a way of presenting sensory information. Sounds are put into a pattern that pleases or stimulates the listener.”
He added that music improves cognitive function, improves mood, inspires movement and improves listening skills.
The musician’s husband Rowan, who is church warden at St Paul’s, accompanies him on the therapy sessions.
He said: “They come alive – they are clapping.
“When you first get there, there is nothing from then, but when they remember a song that is when they start clapping and smiling, and some get up and dance if they can. It brings back memories for them.”
Mr Ellis-Hawley said songs that particularly trigger a reaction include Singing In The Rain, You Are My Sunshine, Over The Rainbow, Amazing Grace, Moon River and I Want To Hold Your Hand.
He said: “There was a woman in a Liverpool care home who was really moody and [aggressive] and as soon as the music came on she was completely different. I thought if I can do a lot of that it will help a lot of people.”
Mr Ellis-Hawley has started a fundraising campaign for Dememtia UK in honour of his grandmother, mother and two uncles who suffered from the disease.
People can support the cause by searching for the musician on Facebook.
He has also highlighted how music benefits those with dementia or autism on his website.
People can learn more at rrenterainments.co.uk.
