WHAT IS STRING OF HEARTS?





String of Hearts is a community arts organisation that connects older adults through music. We aim to tackle injustice in cultural access for people in Trafford and south Manchester who are experiencing social isolation or chronic health conditions. Our activities include group music sessions, music phone calls, home visits, and showcase events, shining a light on the stories and creativity of people in our community.





Our approach





We use music as a tool for connection, self-expression and belonging. Activities are collaborative and inclusive, involving singing, playing percussion, songwriting, and exploring musical styles. Participants share their stories and ideas in a safe space and showcase their creations to the public, supported by String of Hearts professional musicians.



OUR TEAM



Robyn Dowlen - Chair



Sajida Ismail - Non-Exec Director



Genny Cotroneo - Non-Exec Director



Amina Hussain - Non-Exec Director & Musician



Lucy Geddes - CEO



Clive Hunte - Musician



Amy Bowles - Musician



Jaydev Mistry - Musician



Deane Smith - Musician



Chloe Rigby - Coordinator



Sanja Govorcin - Musician



Mina Jackson - Musician



ABOUT US


String of Hearts was established in 2019 by CEO Lucy Geddes and music therapist Amina Hussain, in response to conversations with older adults about the barriers they faced to accessing creative opportunities in our local area of Sale, Trafford.


Lucy and Amina collectively have 25 years' experience delivering music-making programmes with community groups, orchestras and health & social care partners, and delivering training for professional musicians in Japan and Taiwan with the British Council.


Before String of Hearts, Lucy was Head of Learning at Manchester Camerata and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras, and supervised research on music-making for people living with dementia at the University of Manchester. Amina is a music therapist and principal flute at Manchester Camerata.


Our Board of Directors is chaired by Dr Robyn Dowlen, a researcher at Edge Hill University with a specialism in music and dementia and a PhD in Dementia Studies, University of Manchester.


The String of Hearts delivery team includes professional musicians and volunteers who have significant experience in delivering participatory music activities across Greater Manchester.



©2021 String of Hearts CIC

Registered company number: 12351342

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