Athboy Inclusion Team (Áit) will work with three highly regarded music therapists and musicians to produce two separate DVDs targeted at vulnerable populations. The first DVD will be targeted at older persons resident in care settings and nursing homes. The second DVD will be targeted at younger people with intellectual or physical disabilities either at home or in care settings. Each DVD will be 1 hour in duration including 45 minutes of active music participation, and closing with 15 minutes of therapeutically chosen music for guided relaxation.  Each DVD will be subtitled and Irish Sign Language interpreted, with audio descriptions for those unable to participate fully without extra support. These DVDs and USBs will be distributed free of charge to the respective centres. The initiative will provide meaningful therapeutic contact between therapists and clients. The initiative is being developed to provide support and contact for service users who have been isolated and effectively cocooning since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

All three facilitators have extensive experience as musicians and music therapists and bring a depth of knowledge, empathy and experience to the project. Each has a Masters Degree in Music Therapy and have worked extensively with vulnerable populations. The facilitators are Dr. Josie Nugent (Fiddle and vocals), Susan Hurley (Guitar and vocals), Tommy Hayes (Percussion and vocals).

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.