Founder of group to combat social isolation and loneliness among older people up for major award
The founder of a Vale of Glamorgan organisation that helps combat social isolation and loneliness among older people through singing and gentle exercise is in line for recognition after being nominated in the ‘outstanding individuals’ section of the 2023 National Lottery Awards.
The National Lottery Awards are the annual celebration of the ordinary individuals and organisations who do extraordinary things with the help of National Lottery funding.
Dr Sarah Miles, one of the Founding Directors of the National Lottery Community Fund supported Community Interest Company, With Music in Mind, has been shortlisted in the Community and Charity category in the outstanding individual’s section of this year’s Awards. Sarah has been nominated for her efforts in establishing and running the group which helps combat social isolation and loneliness among older people through singing, gentle exercise, and social sessions.
This year, 3,780 people and projects throughout the UK were nominated for the National Lottery Awards in recognition of their unwavering efforts to improve their community. After a panel sifted through the thousands of nominations, Sarah is now one of only five individuals across the UK shortlisted in the Community and Charity category, waiting to see if she will be crowned outstanding UK individual in her group.
Managing Director Sarah, who completed a doctorate in cognitive neuropsychology at Cardiff University, became convinced of the positive power of music to improve wellbeing in later life after researching and examining aspects of ageing, including dementia and depression. In 2015, she founded the not-for-profit organisation, With Music in Mind, along with Physiotherapist Kate Whitestone, who now sits on the Board of Directors.
Based in the Vale of Glamorgan, the organisation offers a life-changing service to older people in the community, with the aim of combatting social isolation and loneliness. From singing classes to social and gentle exercise groups, it’s now a lifeline to people aged 50 and over, including those with dementia and other health conditions, through the introduction of invaluable social networks and new and meaningful friendships.
Through their singing programme, With Music in Mind helps boost participants’ confidence and wellbeing, through laughter, improved memory, and increased cognition. After an hour of singing, participants take part in a second hour of social activities ranging from quizzes and indoor bowls to enjoying a talk from a speaker – or just a good old natter.
They now have groups in Cowbridge, Barry, Penarth, and Llantwit Major, with plans in the offing for a new group in Bridgend. By providing much-needed support for people across South Wales who might otherwise be forgotten, the organisation, with Sarah at the helm, provides space for friendships to blossom and for health, happiness, and wellbeing to grow.
Honoured to be announced as a finalist, Dr Sarah Miles, said: “With Music In Mind is what I would call my life’s work now and it means the world to me to be able to keep it going. The National Lottery is so important to us in that respect. The funding helps us make a real positive impact on the lives of all of our members by providing them with enjoyment and activities which boosts their physical and mental well-being. I am truly shocked and over the moon to be nominated, it’s really lovely.”
During the summer, a panel made up of representatives of The National Lottery and partners from across the UK will decide the winners in each of the individual categories. Winners will be revealed in the Autumn and will receive a £5,000 cash prize for their organisation and a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy.
Jonathan Tuchner, from The National Lottery, said: “The National Lottery Awards honour those who have stepped up and have gone the extra mile to make a difference in their communities, especially during these challenging times.
Thanks to National Lottery players and the £30 million raised each week for good causes, thousands of individuals throughout the UK, like Sarah, have been making an incredible difference in their areas, and this is our chance to highlight and celebrate the exceptional work of these selfless local heroes.”
The outstanding individual’s section of this year’s National Lottery Awards honour unsung heroes in the following categories:
· Culture, Arts & Film
· Heritage
· Sport
· Community/Charity
· Environment
· Young Hero Award (for someone under the age of 25)
· Special Achievement
In addition to the outstanding individual’s category, an online public vote will be held this year to find The National Lottery’ UK Project of the Year. These nominees will be whittled down to 16 finalists, with a UK-wide public vote in September deciding the winner.