Shapeshifter Productions is a performing arts charity who delivers participatory quality music & story-telling experiences for the elderly that promotes well-being and builds friendships. We believe that learning or re-visiting new musical skills actively engages communities in group activities that enhances confidence and builds self-esteem. With people living longer, we believe everyone should benefit from The Smiling Sessions, which is a hugely popular project singing songs with the elderly in sheltered housing & care homes!
In direct response to the lock down, in March 2020, Artistic Director Alison Jones, supported by our team of musicians, created a series of video singalongs (with on screen lyrics) available for streaming and downloading so we could continue delivering a digital virtual singalong project to all our housing partners. This was supported by Arts Council England, City Bridge, Mercers, Foyle, CAF Coronavirus Emergency Fund, Waltham Forest Council, Fore's RAFT Fund, Edward Gostling and The National Lottery Community Fund, making it possible to create 3 series of songs to sing along to. We are extremely appreciative of all the support from our funding partners, but still and always have more to do. Your donations will always make a difference.
Why the community needs us
We have been visiting our Senior Citizens across London for more than 12 years now, delivering participatory musical activities that encourage laughter and friendship, reviving the hearts of an isolated part of society that badly support and inclusion. Singing is a great way for everyone to interact and for their family to spend quality time with them.
Our impact on the community
Over 12 years, we've sung with over 4000 elderly residents across London, East Sussex and more recently Kent.
We are in partnership with organizations such as Notting Hill Genesis, Sanctuary Housing, Peabody, Creative Support, Brighton & Hove Seniors Housing and Victoria Nursing Homes. We are also contacting organisations across the UK to join our virtual singing world.
Sharing and remembering favourite songs from way back through active music participation stimulates memories, creates a sense of belonging and enhances social, emotional and cognitive well-being and quality of life.
Now, more than ever, we require our staff to be able to dedicate their time in a greater capacity to their areas of expertise, to enable the charity to continue its work to a high standard and to develop and sustain it, bringing the arts and well-being to the wider community in a safe and accessible way.
Our aim is to ensure that disadvantaged, isolated group is re-connected to happiness, health and well-being through the healing power of music.
