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Music Therapy Team
Sound Waves South West, the Music Therapy Charity
Trust, a key provider of much needed Music Therapy for children
in North Cornwall and North Devon, is delighted to introduce
two new Music Therapists to their Team.
“Although a State Registered Profession with highly
qualified and very special individuals, Music Therapy is not
actually funded by the State. It is however a very valuable
process encouraging and enabling children to communicate. Those
helped by Music Therapy include children damaged by circumstances
who have been severely traumatised as well as those who have
conditions such as Autism, physical or mental disabilities.
Knowledge, patience, skill and total empathy are key qualities
we seek when choosing our Therapists” says Judyth Gwynne,
the dedicated Chairman who started the Charity over eight years
ago.
Schools are encouraged where they can to contribute to the
costs but in virtually all cases provision of Therapists depends
on support from outside agencies. Sound Waves South West are
extremely grateful that The Duchy Health Charity have chosen
to support their work in Cornwall and by providing much needed
financial support they have enabled children in the area to
experience the opportunity to improve their communication and
movement skills.
SWSW are
delighted to welcome Simon Sheridan who has come from Co.
Wicklow in Ireland to share his communication skills,
undoubted musical abilities and his engaging personality with
local youngsters. His qualifications include an MSc in Music
Therapy, proficiency on several musical instruments and languages,
both European and Japanese. "It was Simon’s practical
experiences and natural empathy which first attracted SWSW.
He has many dimensions to his skills and experience and we
believe he will instinctively offer some very special opportunities
to our local children. " Simon will initially work in
the Special Units attached to Bude schools but his enthusiasm
and experience is such that SWSW is sure he will make his mark
further afield in the area.
Simon
is also joined by Carine Kelley (picture soon!) who will
be working mainly in the Launceston area. Carine has combined
her music
degree with qualifications and practical experience in care
with adults and children together with a diploma in Music Therapy.
“It’s not easy to help people understand how vital
the provision of Music Therapy is to very vulnerable and damaged
young people. Effective publicity is challenging as promotional
photos are not always appropriate and progress can be imperceptivity
slow – but that does not mean it does not count – probably
totally the opposite! ” said Jacki Stephens for SWSW. “We
are absolutely indebted to the Duchy Health Charity for their
major financial help – this is vital and very much appreciated”.
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