A YORK woman who hosts musical therapy sessions for elderly residents around the city has continued to bring them together through remote sessions.

Charlotte Yandell set up her music therapy business, Kiddleydivey York, in 2019.

Since then, she has been working to develop and expand her sessions.

Charlotte delivers themed music sessions that support elderly residents’ continued mobility, social interaction, connection with memory and quality of life.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, Charlotte was visiting over 20 care homes across York, Malton, Selby and Harrogate.

A spokesperson for the Birchlands care home in Haxby said: “Charlotte is absolutely fantastic. She’s always smiling and brings a great amount of energy with her when she visits our home.

“Lots of interaction and fun. She is loved by residents and staff.

“We will be booking her for another year.”

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, care home managers have had to cancel all outside entertainment for the foreseeable future.

This has left many residents feeling increasingly isolated and without an accessible source of live music to enjoy.

However, Charlotte has been in regular contact with her care homes in an effort to continue to share the “unique,” power of music with the residents.

She has recently started offering online Skype sessions and has also encouraged staff to send her clips of residents singing along to the song ‘We’ll Meet Again’ so that she can produce a video of their combined efforts.

Charlotte said: “Whilst the lyrics of the song evoke memories of WWII for many, the sentiments feel particularly appropriate, meaningful and relevant today.

“I hope that the finished product will be a wonderful memento of the ability of music to unite us through these unprecedented times.”

If other care homes would like to get involved with the Kiddleydivey sessions, contact Charlotte on 07528 726726 or york@kiddleydivey.co.uk