Music and dance roadshow at borough homes for awareness week event

More Than Words Advocacy, a community interest company (CIC), and fellow not-for-profit Bom Ta Bom are putting on the unusual events at the homes and in the gardens of service users.

More Than Words Advocacy is based at The Edge and supports people with autism and learning disabilities by providing activities including arts and crafts, music, sport, dance and theatre.

Bom Ta Bom, meanwhile, was created by professional musician Mark Cozens and provides drum-based sound and music therapy.

Four staff from both organisations will travel the borough this week to deliver the sessions.

Sue Seager, founder and director of More Than Words, said: “We wanted to bring a little extra cheer to our students and their families at this difficult time.

“The performances supplement what we’re doing already to support students during the lockdown by providing virtual activities on Facebook and Zoom, supporting them in their own homes, helping with shopping, picking up prescriptions, and getting exercise in the local community.

“We promise that the performances are going to be fun, entertaining and very, very silly.”

Mark, director of Leigh-based Bom Ta Bom, said: “Music therapy aims to create positive changes in emotional wellbeing and communication through live musical interaction.

“It’s based on the idea that all individuals have the ability to respond to music and sound, and this can lead to positive changes in behaviour and improved social and communication skills, especially in people with autism.”

Performances will take place throughout the borough from May 18 to 22.

For more information about the performances, email [email protected]