RESIDENTS from York care homes have taken part in a singing event.

Students from York St John University performed to more than 80 care home residents, sheltered housing tenants and their friends and relatives as part of the Big Sing event, and residents at New Earswick staged performances of their own.

The Big Sing is being part of the Musical Connections Project, which runs weekly music sessions in City of York Council’s care homes and sheltered housing.

Fiona Chapman, founder of Musical Connections, said: “It is a well-known fact that both care home residents and sheltered housing tenants are at risk of loneliness, low self-esteem, lethargy and depression, all of which can affect mental and physical health.

“One of the key strands of our Musical Connections Project is rejecting age-related stereotypes and musical prejudices, enabling older people to take part in a variety of musical activities, drawing on a vast array of musical genres ranging from world music to heavy metal.”

Lauren Wilson, a student who helps run the Musical Connections sessions, said: “I have experienced countless positive reactions from the residents both to the music sessions and to the social interaction with the younger generation .”