Music for a Generation in Hertfordshire

Objectives

Feedback from citizens through local fora in Hertfordshire, including a Governance International Co-Production Star event with 120 participants in 2013, commissioned by the Hertfordshire Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group, suggested that many citizens would like to get engaged in activities which reduce isolation and promote resilience.

Music for a Generation is an intergenerational scheme which aims at improving health and wellbeing for people of all ages. The essence of the project is to bring together different age groups and engage them through music.

The project is being underpinned by the Five Ways to Wellbeing Framework developed by the new economics foundation:

• Connect
• Keep Learning
• Be Active
• Take Notice
• Give

It is also supported by the Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Hertfordshire County Council which states as its overall aim: “With all partners working together we will reduce health inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of our people in Hertfordshire”. Importantly, the strategy puts the focus both on health and wellbeing, with wellbeing being defined as “a contented state of being happy and healthy”.