Making special memories for families receiving care

EACH organises regular sensory band practice nights, with themed evenings previously featuring music from Scotland and Spain. 

This particular ABBA-themed night was a very special band practice, bringing together people from within the hospice, including members of the care team, other staff and volunteers. 
 

The music was brought to life by guest musicians and singers from the Ipswich Operatic Society, while the dancing was led by a troupe of adults with learning difficulties, belonging to a group from DanceEast.

The care floor was transformed into a disco dancefloor, with coloured lights and a glitterball, and the live hits included Waterloo, I Have a Dream and Super Trouper.
 

Among those to attend was mum Debbie Streatfield, whose 14-year-old daughter, Ava, has Cerebral Palsy. She is non-verbal and needs oxygen.

Debbie said: “The band practice nights are always great, but this has to be one of the most fun so far.

“Ava absolutely loved it. As soon as the music started, her eyes widened, and you could see it meant a lot to her.

“It doesn’t matter if you can’t sing or dance. You can express yourself in different ways through music, and it’s enjoyable to everybody. It makes you feel free.”
 

“They were incredible, and this really was a night of collaboration,” said EACH Music Therapist Ray Travasso, who organised the event along with Groups and Events Co-ordinator Kelly Evans and Play Specialist Hailey Allen.

“We rolled out the red carpet to so many wonderful guests from the wider community.

“Together, as a team, we created an incredible evening of fun and music, making special memories for families receiving care and support from EACH.

“Our band practice nights aren’t about being perfect. What we’re striving to do is create real joy, because when you experience that, amazing things happen.”

Pictures: Leo Martin (@parallaxwolf)/EACH