Sian Welby inspired by the power of live music in dementia care by The Spitz
Broadcaster Sian Welby visited Bridgeside Lodge Care Home this week to experience The Spitz’s pioneering use of live music to improve health and reduce loneliness
TV and radio presenter Sian Welby was visibly moved during a deeply personal visit to Bridgeside Lodge Care Home this Tuesday, 12 May 2026, as she accompanied Music for Dementia on a visit to The Spitz Music Charity to see first-hand how live music is improving the health and wellbeing of residents living with dementia.
The visit, which marked Sian’s second time working with the Music for Dementia campaign, was especially meaningful as her father lives with dementia. Spending time with residents, care staff and musicians throughout the day, she saw how live, interactive music sessions can ease anxiety, encourage interaction and spark moments of connection and joy.
The Spitz work with acclaimed, professional musicians who instinctively know how to tailor each song to residents’ moods and memories. It’s this personalised, participatory approach that has grown its reputation as a best-in-class example in the power of music for dementia care. Sian and Music for Dementia CEO, Amy Shackleton, met with blues singer / guitarist Marcus Bonfanti and jazz saxophonist Pete Wareham. Together, the two musicians filled the care home with warmth, soul and joy.
Sian spent time with resident John Chamen, who lives with vascular dementia. He joined Bridgeside Lodge in 2017 and was initially given just three months to live. Nine years later, John is the life and soul of the home, filling the room with rhythm and blues on his guitar and drawing Sian into the music with claps and whoops of encouragement.
Later, Amy and Sian were visibly moved watching Roger, a former police detective and lifelong Beatles fan, singing along with gusto. Care staff explained how Roger is a powerful example of the long-term impact of the power of music. When The Spitz first began visiting Bridgeside Lodge he rarely spoke, usually only acknowledging people with the occasional nod. Over time, through regular greetings and live music sessions, he gradually began engaging more and now sings along enthusiastically and requests songs during sessions.
Amy Shackleton, CEO of Music for Dementia, reflected on the session: “The Spitz are without doubt best in class when it comes to delivering meaningful, person-centred musical experiences for people living with dementia, and seeing their work first-hand was truly extraordinary.
“We know from growing evidence that music can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, unlock memories and support communication for people living with dementia, but seeing it happen in real time was extraordinary. Residents who had seemed withdrawn became engaged, people sang along to songs they clearly remembered from decades ago and the atmosphere across the home completely changed through the shared experience of music.”
Sian’s visit was hosted by Music for Dementia, the national campaign calling for music to be an integral part of dementia care. The campaign is run by The Utley Foundation, which has supported The Spitz’s work since 2021.
Founded by Jane Glitre in 2013, The Spitz Music Charity brings professional musicians into hospitals, hospices and care homes to share the power of live music with those who need it most.
ENDS
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About Music for Dementia: The Music for Dementia campaign is a charitable programme of the Utley Foundation, working to make music an integral part of dementia care. It involves more than 200 organisations from the NHS, care sector, third sector and music sector plus thousands of individual supporters, many with lived experience. Visit musicfordementia.org.uk
About the Utley Foundation: The Utley Foundation is a private charitable trust established by Neil Utley in 2014. The Utley Foundation established the Music for Dementia campaign in 2018 as part of its ambition to ensure music is made an integral part of care for all those living with dementia.
About The Spitz Music Charity: The Spitz takes professional musicians into care homes, day centres and hospitals across London. It uses the power of live music to improve wellbeing, while reducing isolation and loneliness. Visit spitz.org.uk