The Harrogate Band will be helping promote independence for older people and people with a sensory impairment or disability in their local area after teaming up in an innovative partnership with the Opening Doors Charity.

Opportunity

The band has already been offering complimentary concert tickets for volunteers who then take a service-user out to enjoy the event for free. The wonderful idea sees people who can become isolated within their community gain the opportunity to enjoy a great evening of music and hopefully meet new and existing friends.

Harrogate has been at the forefront of promoting volunteering for Opening Doors in their concert programmes and will officially launch the scheme at a concert in December where members of the audience will hear about benefits of supporting socially isolated people.

Charity clients

The band is providing their services for free so as much money as possible will go to Opening Doors and Trinity Methodist Church who are opening their lunch clubs to the charity's clients.

We should never underestimate the power of brass music to bring joy to people's lives, especially those who aren't able to leave their homes easilyBand Chairman Catherine Morland

Never underestimate

Band Chairman Catherine Morland told 4BR: "We often hear that older people who can't get out much and people with memory issues love listening to live music.

We should never underestimate the power of brass music to bring joy to people's lives, especially those who aren't able to leave their homes easily.

It can make a huge difference and we're delighted to support this great work."