Trafford community arts organisation ‘String of Hearts’ received a £70,000 grant from Trafford Housing Trust

A Trafford community arts organisation that connects older adults through music-making has received a boost this week thanks to a £70,000 grant from Trafford Housing Trust (THT).

String of Hearts operates a number of services across Trafford, aiming to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing in later life. Activities include group music sessions, music phone calls, recordings and showcase events.

The funding from THT will allow the organisation to expand its support for over 1,000 older adults at risk of social isolation, and to continue to deliver music-making sessions over the phone for those who cannot leave their homes.  It will also help to kick start a number of music sessions at some of the housing association’s sheltered schemes over the next two years, creating an opportunity for older people to re-engage post-Covid.

String of Hearts group activities take place in community venues and healthcare settings, including Limelight in Old Trafford, Coppice Library in Sale, Broomwood Community Centre in Timperley, Old Trafford Well Being Centre, and Church of the Nazarene in Wythenshawe.

Co-Director and Founder of String of Hearts, Lucy Geddes, said: “Thanks to the generous support of Trafford Housing Trust, we’re looking forward to growing our activities across Trafford over the next two years and connecting with more THT residents through music. We’re passionate about supporting people to live well in older age and shining a light on the creativity and skills of older adults in our communities.”

Zoe Taylor, Communities manager at Trafford Housing Trust said:”Having worked alongside String of Hearts since their launch we’re really pleased to continue to support them and see the wonderful impact their sessions have on residents wellbeing and confidence, Being able to bring these to our sheltered schemes and wider audiences – to people who have been badly impacted by isolation during Covid is a priority for THT. The energy in the seasions is heart warming and inspirational.”