The project evolved from a conversation between friends, Pauline Walmsley, a former carer and Carol Beckwith. With their joint interest in music and experience of the therapeutic benefits of song writing they submitted a bid to Life Changes Trust to fund an innovative project which aimed to demonstrate the utility of storytelling and song writing as activities that provide positive support for those who care for loved ones living with dementia. With carers, former carers and songwriters working together, it was possible to have open conversations about issues that might have otherwise been difficult to express.

These conversations explored questions such as…. What’s it like to be a carer? What’s it like to have your life turned upside down? Where do you find support? The project provided a friendly, supportive environment for everyone to speak, listen and create.

At the end of the project, with a lot of laughter and tears along the way, five songs were written and recorded that others can now listen to and which may resonate with their own experience.

Acorn Shed Music begain in 2017 and, as the name implies, was a tiny seed with big aspirations! Front and centre was the desire to support better health and wellbeing through storytelling and song writing, especially for those who feel unheard.

We hope you enjoy what has been created.
Pauline and Carol