OUR JOURNEY
Welcome to Lost Chord UK, a national charity rooted in South Yorkshire in 1999.
For 25 years, our dedicated team of professional musicians, supported by an army of committed volunteers, has been unwavering in our mission to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and other neurological conditions through the transformative power of interactive music. At the heart of our organisation lies the inspiring story of our founder, Helena Muller, whose personal experiences and unwavering dedication continue to shape Lost Chord’s mission to positively impact the lives of others.
Helena Muller, the visionary founder of Lost Chord UK, is a pioneering figure in the field of dementia care and music therapy. Born with a passion for helping others, Helena’s journey began as she immersed herself in the world of music and its potential to heal and uplift. After completing her studies, Helena embarked on a career path that led her to ‘Live Music Now’, an organisation dedicated to providing performance opportunities for young musicians. It was during her time there that Helena witnessed the profound impact of live music on individuals living with dementia. Moved by these experiences, she recognised the need for more targeted interventions to support this vulnerable population.
In 1999, Helena took the bold step of founding Lost Chord UK, a charity aimed at bringing live music experiences to people living with dementia and other neurological conditions. Her vision was simple yet powerful: to harness the transformative power of music to enhance the quality of life for those facing cognitive challenges. Inspired by a family tragedy, Helena’s resolve to make a difference was strengthened when her younger sister, Annette, suffered a brain haemorrhage. Despite the challenges she faced, Annette found solace in the familiar melodies of Motown hits from her youth, sparking Helena’s realisation of the profound connection between music and memory.
Determined to use this insight to benefit others, Helena embarked on her mission to use music as a tool for reaching out to people with dementia. Drawing on her experience and network of talented musicians, she established Lost Chord as a beacon of hope, providing stimulating programs of classics and popular hits to people across the nation. Throughout her tenure as CEO, Helena’s commitment to her mission never wavered. She championed innovative approaches to music therapy, collaborating with researchers and healthcare professionals to explore new avenues for supporting individuals with dementia. Her efforts were recognised with numerous accolades, including the prestigious title of ‘High Sheriff for South Yorkshire’ and an ‘Honorary Doctorate from Sheffield University’. As she received her doctorate in a special ceremony at the University of Sheffield, Helena dedicated the honour to the thousands of people struggling with dementia across the country. She also paid tribute to the musicians, volunteers, and staff of Lost Chord who tirelessly worked to provide a full program of interactive musical events throughout the year.
Today, Helena’s legacy thrives within Lost Chord UK, where her pioneering spirit continues to inspire and shape Lost Chord UK’s endeavours. Her vision of a world where music serves as a potent force for healing and connection remains central to Lost Chord’s mission, ensuring that her inspiring influence reverberates for generations to come.
25 years
Sharing our highlights and the people who helped along the way.
Timeline of highlights at Lost Chord UK
1999:
Foundation: Lost Chord the charity was founded in Maltby, South Yorkshire by Helena Muller with the goal of improving the lives of people living with dementia and other neurological conditions through interactive music sessions.
Early 2000:
Initial Expansion: Started providing interactive music sessions in 11 residential homes in Rotherham.
2001: Lesley Garrett CBE became a patron of Lost Chord and supported Lost Chord’s mission lending her high public profile to shine a light and draw attention to the charity’s mission of improving the lives of those with dementia through music.
2005:
Geographical Reach: Expanded its services to include Sheffield, Doncaster, and Barnsley. Expansion: Initially focusing on South Yorkshire, Lost Chord began offering sessions in care homes and day centres, gradually expanding to other regions.
2006:
Milestone: Reached 1,000 interactive music sessions, providing vital engagement for people with dementia and their carers.
2009:
Patronage: Sir Cliff Richard OBE generously became a patron of Lost Chord, expressing his support for the charity’s mission. His mother suffered from dementia, making the cause particularly meaningful to him.
2010:
Growth: Expanded its reach to include sessions in other parts of the UK, including Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire, North Lincolnshire and the Midlands. Royal Support.
2011:
New Regions: Started sessions in Suffolk and Warwickshire, further broadening the charity’s impact Patronage: Support from high-profile patrons including Sir Cliff Richard OBE and Lesley Garrett CBE, significantly helped raise awareness and funds for the charity.
Fundraising Milestone: During the year Lesley Garrett CBE lead a number of significant fundraising events enabling Lost Chord to raise substantial funds through community events and donations.
https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/yorkshire/22635729.lesley-garrett-helps-raise-30-000-lost-chord/
Expansion to London: Lost Chord began providing sessions in the London area, reaching new communities and broadening its impact.
2018:
Wales Expansion: Launched interactive music sessions in Wales, demonstrating the charity’s commitment to national reach and support.
2018 Lesley Garrett CBE generously made a Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Lost Chord. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0001q51
In 2018 to March 2019 Lost Chord delivered a total of 2,000 concerts and visited a record number of 180 homes.
2019:
20th Anniversary: Celebrated 20 years, two decades of service with over 1300 interactive sessions conducted annually, benefiting tens of thousands of people across UK regions.
In July, Sir Cliff Richard OBE and Lesley Garrett CBE hosted and performed at Lost Chord’s flagship event celebrating its 20th Anniversary at Lincoln’s Inn ‘The Great Hall’ in London and raising a massive £39,000 to help people with dementia.
2019/2020
By the 23rd March 2020 due to COVID-19 all Lost Chord activity had ceased. Lost Chord rose to the challenge to support people by providing music sessions via social media, streaming three videos a week completely free of charge to all residential homes in the country through You Tube.
Lost Chord delivered 1,300 interactive musical sessions a year in 130 care homes.
2020- 2021:
New CEO and new chapter: In October 2021 Clare Langan a professional flautist and Lost Chord Musician for 20 years was asked by the charity’s founder, Helena Muller, to take over as CEO. She accepted the role, committing to lead and expand the charity’s reach and impact.
Pandemic Response: Adapted to COVID-19 by implementing virtual interactive music sessions and one to one bedside sessions, ensuring continued support for people with dementia and their carers during lockdowns.
2020 Lost Chord took part in supporting the Utley Foundation report Commission on Dementia and Music https://ilcuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Commission-on-Dementia-and-Music-report.pdf
Lost Chord delivered 1,300 interactive musical sessions a year in 130 care homes.
Technology Integration: Lost Chord started incorporating digital music technology to improve the interactive experience for participants.
Geographical Reach: Extended activities to include more community-based sessions in libraries, places of worship, and wellness centres.
In June 2021 while COVID-19 was overstaying its welcome, the relaxing of lockdown restrictions meant that Lost Chord in person music came back!
From December 2021, as a result of cancellations and the government’s decision to instigate Plan B on 8th December 2021 the in-person operations changed to interactive music sessions online in some homes before delivering individual bedside 1-2-1 singalong sessions via tablet/iPad/laptops.
2022:
After 14 years of dedicated service as a Trustee, international concert pianist, Benjamin Frith, became the new Chairman of Lost Chord.
New Projects: Our CEO Superhero Clare Langan, set herself her own Superhero challenge and completed the Salzburg Marathon inspiring other Lost Chord superheroes to fundraise their way, including superhero’s who took part in a 10,000 steps challenge, a swimming challenge, a dance challenge and 100 daily press-ups. Clare went on to launch new initiatives focusing on intergenerational interaction and increased community engagement.
In May 2022 CEO Clare spearheaded the charity’s efforts to be featured in prominent media outlets, appearing on Channel 4’s “Steph’s Packed Lunch” and several BBC radio programs. Her media presence helped amplify the charity’s mission and attract new supporters.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=695825565025101
June 2022 Lost Chord gained Patron support with Comedian and Musician, John Courtney.
Under Clare’s leadership, Lost Chord launched many new community initiatives, including the “Tea and Tunes” sessions at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. This and other community projects aimed to make music more accessible and create community engagement through musical events.
08 September 2022 Lost Chord as part of a new growth Strategy became Lost Chord UK.
2023:
Continued Growth: Lost Chord UK held over 1,500 sessions across various settings, impacting more than 10,000 individuals annually.
2023 saw the launch of The Choir of Hope: 10 healing session for people who suffered loss to find their voice write and perform songs.
Further Recognition: Lost Chord UK featured in numerous media outlets for its impactful work and innovative approaches, such as “Tea and Tunes” sessions.
2024:
In January Lost Chord UK welcomed a new CEO Jean Collingwood, committed to increasing Lost Chord UK’s impact, reach and services to more beneficiaries.