Annie Lennox Supports Nordoff Robbins This Christmas To Help Fund Music Therapy Sessions For Vulnerable People

Annie Lennox, Scottish singer-songwriter, political activist, philanthropist and one of the most successful female artists in UK music history with global record sales exceeding 80 million, features in a new short documentary film released today about music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins,. The 5 minute film, which gives an insight into Nordoff Robbins' specialist music therapy work, has been released to tie-in with the charity's Christmas Appeal, to help them raise enough money to fund 10,000 music therapy sessions for some of the UK's most vulnerable and isolated children and adults. 

Annie Lennox, who has supported Nordoff Robbins for some time, including being honoured with a Silver Clef Award from the charity in 2011, says in the film: 

"Music touches you instantly. When I'm performing, every nuance, every phrase and every word has a resonance and means something. I can feel what's going on. And that's partly what it is to be a fully rounded human being, that you have access to music. 

"Everyone should have access to music therapy. Everyone should know it exists. Everyone should understand that music is good for the soul." 

Talking about why she decided to support Nordoff Robbins, Annie Lennox said: 

"I think Nordoff Robbins is the most amazing charity and their work makes such a huge difference. Please take two minutes of your time to look at the inspirational film and to see some of the life changing work that they do. 

"Through music, Nordoff Robbins gives those it supports an opportunity to reach their full potential, to communicate with those around them and to participate in a way which may not otherwise be possible. Nordoff Robbins literally transforms lives with music. 

"This Christmas, Nordoff Robbins is raising money so that it can provide more music therapy sessions for those who unlike you and I, struggle every day to make themselves heard and to communicate their hopes, feelings and fears. For most of us, Christmas is a special time, but for many of the people who Nordoff Robbins works with, Christmas is a confusing and scary time. 

"Please donate as much as you possibly can to help Nordoff Robbins provide more life changing music therapy sessions for those who need it the most over this festive season." 

Nordoff Robbins is a specialist music charity, dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable children and adults. Delivering over 50,000 music therapy sessions per year to people with a range of challenges such as autism, dementia, mental health problems, stroke and brain injury, they carry out their work in their own music therapy centres and units, in schools, day centres, hospitals and care homes. Music therapy is a specialist use of music to help people in many different ways - for some it has physical benefits, for others emotional or social ones and helps many to communicate. It can help people feel more motivated, social and self-confident. For our clients, music reaches them in a way that nothing else can - offering a lifeline when they need it the most. 

Pauline Etkin, CEO, Nordoff Robbins says: 

"We are honoured and delighted that Annie Lennox agreed to appear in this film for us, demonstrating an incredible generosity of spirit. We hope her massive public appeal and the huge respect that she commands, will help us to raise vital awareness and funds so that we can continue our work into 2013 and beyond. 

"Music can reach right through to the part of a person that is somehow whole, somehow well and everyone benefits in a different way. Our goal at Nordoff Robbins is to be able to deliver music therapy to all those who need it, whatever their age and wherever they live in the UK. 

"One music therapy session costs just o25 - but this Christmas we need to raise enough money to provide 10,000 sessions. We hope that Annie's support will help us to raise much needed awareness of the work we do and help raise the vital funds we need to support some of the UK's most vulnerable children and adults." 

This Christmas the UK wide appeal also includes a Nordoff Robbins prize Giveaway where five lucky winners will be randomly selected to win a luxury radio donated by Ruark Audio and signed by celebrity supporters including Gary Barlow, Emeli Sand', Michael Bubl', Tom Jones, and Conor Maynard. To enter participants just need to visit www.nordoff-robbins.org/giveaway 

The film was produced by HLA and directed by Justin Stokes. Executive Producers: James Bradley and Mike Wells. Producer: Daniel Carter. 

To donate and find out more about Nordoff Robbins visit:  www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk              

 

MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk