CAMPP was developed in response to a strategic ambition to enhance healthy ageing offerings in and around Airdrie Town Hall.
The project was co-designed by North Lanarkshire Council Arts Development and NHS Health Improvement, aiming to explore the potential of music-based interventions to support ageing populations in North Lanarkshire. Through a series of development days, workshops, and evaluations, CAMPP has demonstrated significant social, emotional, and physical benefits for participants, while also identifying key considerations for future scalability.
What was done
Survey feedback indicated a strong desire for more creative activities among older adults in Airdrie. Previous successful programmes, for example Mind Music Soul, Memory Spinners, had left a gap in arts and health provision.
NHS Health Improvement identified key health challenges in North Lanarkshire: dementia, COPD, coronary heart disease, mental health, digital exclusion, and social isolation.
Objectives:
- Design and deliver a pilot music programme for healthy ageing groups.
- Evaluate its impact on emotional wellbeing, physical engagement, and social connection.
- Explore long-term feasibility and sustainability of a North Lanarkshire-wide model.
Feedback was collected from four organisations: Menspace (CLD), Alzheimer’s Scotland (Airdrie) , Parkinson’s Self Help Group (Airdrie) , and Glenboig Development Trust.
Outcome
Emotional Wellbeing
- Participants reported feeling uplifted, happy, and more socially connected.
- Comments included: “My husband who has Parkinson’s came alive”, “One of the best activities I’ve taken part in”, and “The group still talk about it nearly a month down the line.”
Physical Engagement
- Increased movement observed: clapping, swaying, tapping feet, following arm movements.
- Some participants engaged more physically than in any previous sessions.
Social Value
- Sessions promoted inclusion, reduced isolation, and offered respite for carers.
- Groups valued the opportunity to access high-quality, creative experiences.
