15 November 2006

NPC launches report on charities using music to change lives

Striking a chord, NPC's latest research report, was launched at an event held last week, introduced by Peter Gabriel.

NPC Music Report Launch Nov 06“Music is ubiquitous, it's like water, breaking through in ways you can’t imagine. Music is a language—it’s not about talent—anyone who wants to can learn music … The idea of changing the way people give is great. I like the concept of 'tough giving' in which you firstly, make yourself better informed of the work being done by different charities and their effectiveness, and secondly follow though and examine how your money was spent, and let that inform your future giving. New Philanthropy Capital is doing a great job with both these approaches, which is why their recommendations are so useful", said Gabriel.

Striking a chord explores how charities are using music to transform the lives of those in need, for example: helping people with mental health problems into work; tackling homeless people’s isolation; and enabling people with dementia to connect with their families.

The report recommends charities that are using music to change lives, and have been selected on the basis of their results, for example:

• Core Arts has set up weekly workshops and social enterprises to help people with severe mental illness gain valuable skills and work experience.
• Streetwise Opera runs musical workshops and performances where homeless people can make friends and develop skills.
• West Berkshire Alzheimer’s Society runs singing sessions for people with dementia and their carers, helping them to communicate and have fun.

Click here to download the report or find out more about these and other effective charities using the power of music to transform the lives of those in need.

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