The Voice of Experience

Abstract

This article offers a simple model of generating locally relevant evidence within a study designed to suit the local context. In describing the social inclusion of older people in group music therapy and in the evaluation of a six-month pilot, it aims to show the importance of user-centred evaluation as an enabling and empowering process (Procter 2002). The successful project resulted in further funding from an inner-city social services community care section to continue and develop the work. The service-users (clients) in the study (which also involved music therapists, managers and care staff) are a multi-ethnic group of older people with physical and mental health problems, including dementia, living within the community in Supported Living Schemes' and attending Day Centres. This is a conventionally socially excluded and marginalised group, who often live extremely isolated lives because of social, psychological, mental or physical difficulties (Davidson 2004). A summary of the findings, conclusions and outcome of the study demonstrates how participants have gained more control over their lives by having their voices and experience heard.