How We Work

Soundabout (Registered charity number 1103002) is a charity that uses music to empower and unlock the potential of people with severe and profound learning disabilities. Our multi-sensory music-making techniques help to stimulate communication, learning and self-expression, enabling people who may be unable to hold an instrument or speak to make their own unique contribution.

• Sound and music is the starting point 
• Our practice is based on intensive interaction  
• We model and teach a culture of musical communication
• We use resonance boards, Soundbeams, musical instruments, sound, silence, voice, music and storytelling
• We facilitate playfulness in order to release inhibition around music-making
• We look at what is the most effective way of working and use a range of approaches, suitable for children, young people adults, parents and teachers
• We exemplify developing relationships – what unfolds, what opens up, what changes from this interaction

Physical contact

Many of the people we work with have profound and multiple learning disabilities and/or sensory issues, which is why we often take a multi-sensory approach to our music-making sessions. As such, our highly qualified practitioners may include non-invasive touch e.g. shaking hands to say hello, or rhythmic patting on an arm in the course of the session. If the child, young person or adult you are caring for prefers not to be touched, please let the Soundabout Practitioner know at the beginning of the session.  

Safeguarding

Soundabout upholds the highest safeguarding standards and our safeguarding policy is available on request or can be viewed here (262kb – PDF file). We believe that everyone has a responsibility for keeping children and vulnerable adults safe. If you have any safeguarding questions or concerns please email our designated safeguarding lead Rebecca Thomas at rebeccathomas@soundabout.org.uk or holly.radford-james@soundabout.org.uk or 01235 797474