He has a unique gift and a passion for entertaining others. John is extremely creative and has devised music and activities programmes that have had the ability to elicit positive responses from residents who were very cognitively impaired. I have witnessed him “awakening” residents who had not spoken for years with a simple song performed on a one-to-one basis. He uses his performing background and innate non-verbal skills to engage residents in a way that they enjoy responding to.

John has a deep understanding of older people. His work with older people from the North East involves his knowledge of how they lived their lives, where they worked and how they socialised. This skill is evident in the way that he delivers his sessions with local history, art, song, pictures and items from the past all becoming part of a rounded experience. John’s brilliant sense of humour also means that all of his activities are accompanied by smiling faces and laughter.

I have no hesitation in recommending John’s sessions to anyone working with older people or those with impaired cognition. His vitality and enthusiasm are infectious. His sessions leave both residents and staff feeling uplifted and the positive effect that I have witnessed for myself on a resident's daily experience is invaluable. 

Patrick Morley RMN
Registered Home Manager