AN MP is hoping those with dementia can access and enjoy music.

Stockton North MP, Alex Cunningham, has taken up the challenge to become a Music for Dementia Champion to make sure everyone living with dementia has the right to access and enjoy music.

Research shows that music helps to significantly minimise some of the symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, and can help to tackle anxiety and depression.

The national charity, Music for Dementia funded by The Utley Foundation, campaigns to make music available for everyone living with dementia and during the pandemic launched a free radio station specifically for people with dementia.

It was founded in 2018 and has been growing each year.

Supporting the campaign, Mr Cunningham has also written to Stockton Borough Council asking for the Adult Social Services department to explore the provision of music as a low – or no – cost a part of care plans.

Mr Cunningham said:“Music, in its many forms, has the power to transform lives. For someone living with dementia, music can be the lifeline, the connector that stops them from being locked away in a lonely and isolated world – feelings which have been made more likely during the pandemic.

“Music therapy is a low-cost but effective way to alleviate feelings of anxiety and social isolation in people living with dementia. I’m proud to be a Music for Dementia Champion and have asked the Council to explore how music therapy could be part of local people’s care plans.”