As a response to the pandemic, MMM organised visits to hospitals in Dublin, St. John of God’s and St Joseph’s dementia care home, where the musicians performed (at an appropriately social distance from each other), in the garden. The residents and staff gather in the garden or listen through open windows and doors.   Since then, MMM have delivered approximately 160 concert performances, not only in residential care home settings but also in the grounds of psychiatric units and general hospitals. They have travelled to: Carlow, Waterford, Wexford, Kerry, Kilkenny, Tipperary and all over Dublin, in association with Creative Ireland, local country council arts offices, and the Ireland Funds.

Earlier this year in March the Mobile Music Machine came to Carlow and performed to residents in county Carlow’s nursing homes through the safety of being able to perform outdoors as residents watched from inside.  “We are delighted now to provide another series of concerts across the county to residents again and this time we are fortunate enough that families of those residents will also be able to watch safely the performances. Along with the Mobile Music Machine musicians Carlow musicians have been selected to also perform at the nursing homes.  We know from their previous visit to Carlow that the impact music had on residents that day was truly up-lifting and we asked that they return to Carlow this summer. We look forward to the great reaction live music can bring both for the musicians performing and for all the families and residents that will have this special encounter”.  Sinead Dowling, Carlow County Council Arts Officer.

The nursing homes in Ireland have borne the brunt of the Covid 19 impact. Along with the devastating loss of life, there has been a huge toll on the emotional and psychological well-being of both staff and residents.

The project is also designed to offer work to world class Irish musicians, many of whom are facing long term unemployment and high levels of psychological stress due to the pandemic.

In November, the Taoiseach officially announced that the Covid Care Concerts will be a vital part of their ‘Keep Well Campaign” for 2021. The HSE and Age Friendly Ireland will fund the project going forward. Alongside philanthropic donations and Creative Ireland funding, this will enable MMM to deliver 400 concerts in 8 counties next year, employing over 50  of the finest professional musicians in Ireland.

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/4db9d-an-taoiseach-minister-for-health-and-minister-for-public-health-well-being-and-the-national-drugs-strategy-launch-keep-well-campaign/