Dementia Friendly organisation<\/a>.<\/p>\nDavid, Caroline and other orchestra members of the orchestra have received training on the impact of dementia on patients\u2019 and carers\u2019 lives and gained a greater awareness of the specific needs of more vulnerable concert-goers.<\/p>\n
David, originally from Denmark, but now living near Didsbury, south Manchester, and Caroline, who lives in central Didsbury, are both stalwarts of the Hall\u00e9\u2018s Education and Community Programme which takes the orchestra\u2019s music out to those in society who may not be able to make it to a concert hall.<\/p>\n
They regularly lead interactive workshops at care homes encouraging participants to join in singing, moving to music, playing percussion or even having a go at conducting.<\/p>\n
Workshop leader David, has worked at the homes since 2009 and Caroline joined the scheme in around 2013.<\/p>\n
Pendine Park Artist in Residence Sarah Edwards said their work has really changed people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cWhen they started there was almost a belief that music was an add-on of little importance. But over time everyone became aware of the great communication skills both these players have and the way they engage with residents really makes a difference to the general well-being of all involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe effect on the staff at Pendine Park has also been dramatic. There\u2019s real trust in the value of the arts in our homes and now regular staff members help keep musical activities alive when the Hall\u00e9 players are not present. The homes have also bought musical instruments so activities can be continued.\u201d<\/p>\n
During pandemic lockdowns David and Caroline realised many residents would sorely miss live music so they voluntarily recorded more than 50 virtual workshops – nicknamed musical postcards – for screening online.<\/p>\n
Sarah said they had gone above and beyond in doing this without being asked.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cIt had a profound positive effect and helped combat extreme feelings of loneliness and isolation. They are true musical heroes.\u201d<\/p>\n
David said: \u201cThere is nothing better than seeing people\u2019s faces light up and feeling they can express themselves through the music.\u201d<\/p>\n
Caroline added: \u201cIt really is one of the best parts of our job. We love engaging with residents. It\u2019s wonderful how much they give back especially during music improvisation sessions which can be joyful. David and I feel it\u2019s a real privilege to have this friendship with Pendine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the aim of the Wales Care Awards was to recognise the unstinting and remarkable dedication of unsung heroes and heroines across Wales.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThe social care sector is full of wonderful people like David and Caroline\u00a0 because it\u2019s not just a job, it\u2019s a vocation \u2013 these are people who go the extra mile for others.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the Covid crisis, this fantastic workforce rose magnificently to the challenge, putting their own lives on the line to do everything they possibly could to safeguard the people for whom they provide care.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, it has taken a global pandemic for many other people to realise how important and how significant our social care workforce is.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir incredible contribution was summed up best in the powerful and emotive words of the song, Heroes of our Heart, written by the acclaimed poet Mererid Hopwood and sung by Sir Bryn Terfel, which was set to the famous tune of Men of Harlech. The message that the diolch should last forever is one that we should never forget.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you don\u2019t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards people need and never recognise the value of people who need care in society.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the nominees deserve to be lauded and applauded and it\u2019s a real pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists.<\/p>\n
\u201cI congratulate all the individuals who have shown outstanding dedication and professionalism. Every one of them should be proud of their achievement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are Wales\u2019s finest.\u201d<\/p>\n
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