About me: The Music Gym aims to engage people who have high individual needs or behaviour that's challenging, through providing a journey of music, movement and images. As its name suggests - it's a physical activity: not a large sensory room but rather a large, interactive space. Without the involvement of the participants nothing happens – whether it’s triggering music on the bouncy castle, making music that can be felt as well as heard, or dancing with one’s own shadow on a large screen.
The independent evaluation of the pilot project found that virtually all of those who attended the Music Gym regularly benefited from the experience. A crucial factor was the involvement of the family/support staff which we encourage – it’s a place for everyone to have fun.
Sessions take place at Horntye Park in Hastings and you can come at any time during the morning and stay for as long as you like. It’s not a drop-in activity: places need to be booked in advance and participants need someone with them.
If you’re interested in knowing more about the Music Gym or our other services please contact us by phoning 01424 444322 or emailing enquiries@decoda.org
Please visit the site at http://www.decoda.org
Thanks to Four seasons events for making their annual Swanfest, on July 22nd, in aid of the Decoda Musicgym. If I get to heaven your name is on the guest list.
Who I'd like to meet: People who like helping those not able to help themselves.
People who like inventing and adapting things.
People who can help to publicise our work.
People who make the impossible happen.
You can help our work by looking at our
merchandise
A few of our workers,volunteers and friends have formed a dance group called
The Funky Jellies this is them at the Music Gym
The BBC did a news item on the Music Gym in January
Our new single, Follow You, is released today (04/11/07). It would be great if you could doadload a copy - if in the (unlikely!) event enough people do we can make it into the UK Top 40!
The track costs a mere 77 pence and can be downloaded from www.indiestore.com/sevenscore
There has been lots of hard work chasing up loose ends but I feel the Swanfest is moving swiftly in the right direction. People have been very helpful and quick to offer their services for free. There is a strong sense of community spirit right now and I'm feeling very optimistic about being able to raise a good amount of money for Decoda's music gym.
I'd like to thank all the fellow musicians that are lending their skills to help provide decoda with the means to carry on their good work that enable people to express them selves via the medium of music. As someone that lives for music I'm very happy to be assisting this good cause.
