Worthing violinist celebrates 15 years of playing in care homes

It was 15 years ago this July, at just 21 years of age, that she held her first performance at New Elmcroft care home, in St Giles Close, Shoreham.

Sarah, now 36, said: “It was so wonderful to perform for the residents and staff at New Elmcroft.”

She has been playing the violin since the age of six and trained at the University of Chichester, graduating in 2009 with a degree in music and instrumental/vocal teaching.

A talented performer, well-known on the amateur scene in Shoreham and Southwick, Sarah said she fell into this job as a friend told her he played piano in a care home, so she decided to ‘give it a go’ after finishing university.

Since her first performance at the Shaw healthcare owned care home on July 2, 2009, Sarah has gone on to play at more than 100 care homes across Sussex, including Haywards Heath, Horsham and Worthing.

Sarah, who lives in Worthing, said: “Fifteen years later, I am still as excited to go to work as I was then. I absolutely love it and I am lucky enough to do it in this sector.

“It is so wonderful to be able to make a difference to people’s moods and to see someone with a condition such as dementia sing all the words to a song with a huge smile on their face is incredibly rewarding.”

Manager of New Elmcroft, Tiny Myeni adds: “The joy that Sarah’s performances bring to our residents is second to none. We are so pleased that she has continued to visit us over the years.

“Her performances are just one of the many activities that we organise here at New Elmcroft to help our residents keep their minds and bodies healthy.”