Winn Group is delighted to announce its support for a forthcoming music therapy course, to be delivered in conjunction with the Percy Hedley Foundation at the Northern Counties School.

Percy Hedley is a charitable organisation that supports the delivery of curriculum work in schools for children with special educational needs.

As part of this sterling work, they have previously utilised music therapy to enhance the learning and development of students at another school in the area as part of their specialist school offering across the region that supports 550 individuals.

That course is yet to be rolled out at Northern Counties, but they can expect the following, based on last year’s roll-out:

• 261 one-to-one sessions
• 56 group sessions
• 25 pair sessions
• 182 hours of contact time with students
• 52 individual pupil sessions

Thanks to the assistance of Winn Group, a musical therapist will now provide sessions to Northern Counties over the current school year, much to the appreciation of the Head Teacher.

Martin Lonergan, Head Teacher at Northern Counties School, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from Winn Group, which has made it possible for us to integrate a dedicated music therapy programme into our learning provision.

“Music therapy will support our students by offering a non-verbal way to express emotions, develop communication and social skills, and improve emotional regulation.

“It can also enhance physical coordination, boost confidence, and provide a calming or motivating presence during challenging moments, all within a creative and inclusive environment tailored to individual needs.

“This initiative will significantly enhance the services we offer, ensuring our students have access to a wide range of creative and therapeutic opportunities.

“The impact on their daily lives, wellbeing, and confidence will be truly transformative.”

Ross Jackson, Winn Group CSR Deputy Lead, said: “This is a significant donation for Winn Group to make but it is going to an incredibly worthy cause.

“Without this funding, the school would be unable to deliver music therapy to the children who attend.

“The therapy has incredibly positive effects on the development of those involved. By helping facilitate this, our CSR programme is making a tangible difference to the lives of disabled children in the region.

“The school provides an environment of learning, progression, and development so it is fantastic that we are able to add an additional element to their deliverable curriculum.”