To mark Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May, UK charity Music in Hospitals & Care will be sharing the healing power of live music with veterans at the veterans community hub in Craigneuk.
For many veterans, music is a lifeline that provides comfort, reduces isolation, and rekindles memories. This year, Music in Hospitals & Care will be showing their support on VE Day with specially curated live music experiences celebrating the resilience and sacrifice of veterans.
Singer and guitarist Jason Sweeney has played at several veterans’ events with Music in Hospitals & Care over the years.
He said: “I have the most fun ever with the veterans because you get a lot of banter with them.
The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.
Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.
The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.
Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire – iOS – Android
“They’ve been through it all and it’s an absolute privilege to be able to play for them and spend time with them.
“I know how powerful music can be for people who can’t go to gigs. I’ve played at different veterans’ centres, and you can see the thread that runs through them – this sense of camaraderie.
“They’re all about having a good time and it’s great to spend time with them.”
Music plays a vital role in the lives of veterans. It can be a coping mechanism, a source of healing, and a way to connect with others.
This support can been a lifeline for ex-service men and women. For some this is the only outside contact they have.
The Craigneuk Family Learning Centre in Wishaw houses a veterans community group run by Veterans Community Lanarkshire, a charity dedicated to supporting veterans and their families through a range of community- based initiatives.
Marina McQueer, Activities Coordinator at Veterans Community Lanarkshire, explains the importance of live music to veterans.
She said: “Live music brings the room to life. Not only does it bring back sentimental memories, but it provides entertainment and a joyful atmosphere.
“Events like VE Day are important to everyone to remember the brave, and it reminds us of the sacrifices made by the generations before us. These events also help educate younger generations and bring people in the community together.”
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice.
