A new music therapy clinic is looking connect with people from around Cambridgeshire using sound and melodies.

A new clinic was opened in Huntingdon to mark World Music Therapy Day on July 5, and Cambridgeshire Music, which runs the clinic, is hoping that its service, which includes music tuition and orchestra sessions, will help those who have limited verbal skills to engage with others.

Head of music therapy at Cambridgeshire music, Orla Casey, said: ““We noticed that there was a real gap in provision in areas such as Soham, Ely and Huntingdon.

“Our clinic will give even more children and families access to this special therapy, which can open up channels of communication when verbal skills are limited, and really improve emotional and psychological wellbeing. And you don’t have to know how to play an instrument to do it.”

Cambridgeshire Music is part of Cambridgeshire County Council which, as well as music therapy, provides schools and individuals in the county with music tuition, organises county orchestras and ensembles and supports schools in developing music in their curriculum.

Music therapy uses music as a way to connect in a non-verbal way, encouraging users to ‘meet through the music,’ which then helps them to develop a more interactive way of playing that encourages listening and following.

It is particularly effective for people with autism, dementia, mental health issues or relationship difficulties, and helps build communication skills, and supports self-awareness, identity and emotional development.

For more information, visit http://www.cambridgeshiremusic.org/music-therapy/.