THE lyrics of Irish Eyes are Smiling and other well known ballads reverberated around the entrance hall of the Somerset Lodge Care Centre recently. The centre, which is an assisted living facility, was recently visited by singers from the Headway Natal choir. Kathy Hughes, manager of the care centre, said the idea was to have a morning of songs for the residents.

“One of our residents, Barbara Balcomb, who is also a member of Headway Natal, told us about how music was used as a form of therapy. People of all ages relate to and enjoy music, making it a universal language, of sorts. However, its value can go far beyond simple listening. Music has a close relationship with unconscious emotions. The residents had a wonderful day and if we could do this on a couple of times a year it would be wonderful,” she said.

Ian Vowels from Headway Natal said it was a privilege performing for the residents at Somerset Lodge.

“Headway Natal is a non-profit organisation assisting survivors of acquired brain injury and their families and carers, and for us to give back like this is just fantastic. We had a great time and I’d like to thank Kathy and her team for such a great day,” he said.