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An innovative project in Gateshead has given people aged 50+ in Gateshead the opportunity to learn a musical instrument and perform as part of a band. Gateshead Older People’s Assembly received a grant of £32,500 over two years from the Kellett Fund at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland to run their ‘Never Too Old to Rock’ (NTOTR) project.
Beginning at a pilot project in 2020 and using experienced music tutors, those taking part learnt how to play guitar, bass and drums so they could perform individually or together as a group.
Pete Barrett, Senior Programme Advisor at the Community Foundation said:
“Never Too Old to Rock is aimed at “the new old” and targets people who have limited opportunities for creative engagement but have a love of music. Its popularity stems from the fact that it encourages fun, creativity and socialising – alongside learning a new skill.”
Craig Bankhead, Chief Executive at Gateshead Older People’s Assembly, explained why they introduced the project:
“This has made a very big difference to our organisation as a whole. Our aim is to reach ‘older people’ while they are as young as possible, so that we can achieve our mission of improving the health, wellbeing, and independence of people aged 50+ from Gateshead.
“Many older people, rightly, don’t view themselves as stereotypical older people and can be put off by activities specifically designed for them because of the stigma of being viewed as old or older. Never Too Old to Rock is a way for people to take part in something that isn’t stereotypical but is also aimed at them and not a much younger audience – which can also be off-putting.”
Beneficiaries have been enthusiastic about being involved with one saying how it helped them to meet new people:
“I learned to play bass guitar with a full band and made new friends. It has given me more confidence. It means getting out of the house and meeting new people with the same interests as myself. It means the world to me.”
Another explained how it had positively impacted their mental health:
“I feel less isolated due to meeting many people the same age as me. It has provided me with Friends and is an excellent hobby. My mental health has improved greatly, and it has made me more self-confident.”
Never Too Old to Rock engaged with 40 regular attendees by the project’s end, with many beneficiaries taking part in live performances as a direct result of their experiences.