New music therapy programme for autistic children is launched

THE launch of a new music therapy programme for autistic children took place this week in Crumlin. St Agnes’ Community Centre for Music and the Arts was the venue for the launch of the Sensory Stars Programme.

Hilda Milner, General Manager of St Agnes’ CCMA, said the launch was “kindly sponsored by Greyhound Recycling in collaboration with St Agnes’ CCMA.”

“This sponsorship demonstrates a ground-breaking initiative that was inspired by our mission that music changes lives,” said Hilda.

“For children with neurodiversity, engaging with music and the arts can pose huge challenges for both the child and their parents. Inclusivity is at the core of what we do here at St Agnes, since its inception over 10 years ago.

“Enriching lives, especially those on the edges of our society, is the very heartbeat of this music centre.”

Daithí Ó Numáin (Sub Coral Director), Bryan Murray, Una Crawford-Brien and Jimmy Fitzsimons

The programme will run in conjunction with Scoil/Coláiste Eoin during school times, and after-school club in conjunction with D12 Autism on Monday afternoons.

All class programme are taught by music therapist, Linda Collins.

“None of this would have been possible without the sponsorship of the visionary Greyhound staff,” said Hilda.

“Seeing the need and value of all this project has to offer children within our Crumlin community and also recognising the importance of sustainability once we grow the project into the future.”

The event opened with proceedings from Memory Lane Choir, a singing group for people with Alzheimers, dementia and intellectual challenges.

Supporting the programme at the launch were Fair City stars Bryan Murray – who has been diagnosed with dementia – and his wife Una Crawford-O’Brien.

Among those also in attendance were Senator Catherine Ardagh, Cllr Carolyn Moore (GP), Scoil Eoin, Principal Debbie O’Neill, Deputy Principal Richie Doran, Seamus Doyle, chair of the board, and Sr Bernadette, founder and director of CCMA.

Sr Bernadette said it was a “wonderful day”, showcasing a “multi-faceted” view of the centre’s vision to involve people on the fringes.

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