Musical help needed
Sandton - A Bryanston-based centre for adults with cerebral palsy is appealing to the public to donate instruments for their music therapy sessions.
Forest Farm Centre is a residential facility situated in Bryanston for adults with cerebral palsy.
It is calling on residents to assist them in making their aspirations for the development of music therapy at the centre a possibility. Although they have volunteers to do the therapy sessions, they are in desperate need of musical instruments.
“Despite their disabilities, the residents at the centre have the same need for recreation and enjoyment, and we strive to provide such fun and stimulating activities for them,” explained Forest Farm’s social worker, Amanda du Toit.
“The residents particularly love music, and we would like to introduce music therapy on a regular basis. Research has shown the value of music as a therapeutic tool for the restoration, maintenance, and improvement of psychological, mental and physiological health, and even in the encouragement of better social skills. Music is also a wonderful stress-reliever and encourages the residents to socialise and have fun.”
She added that many of the residents battled to express themselves verbally. “They can, therefore, use beats and rhythms on a percussive instrument, for example, to express their thoughts and feelings. The residents are able to play percussive instruments such as drums and marimbas but any instrument would be appreciated.”
Du Toit said one of the volunteers was a piano teacher who would need a keyboard to conduct lessons. “The residents would love to sing while the piano teacher plays the instrument,” she said.
She concluded by saying that music therapy was ‘work disguised as fun’.
Details: Amanda 011 789 3008; socialworker@forestfarmcentre.org
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