Bringing joy to older people

The Daisie Chain
Dedicated. Relentless. Caring

Growing old doesn’t mean you stop having fun!

Music and movement instructor Emma Watts is taking music, fun and healthy movement to people in aged care and disability services across the Shire.

Emma started The Daisie Chain initiative three years ago to help people improve their physical and mental health and to help facility staff connect with suitable entertainers and instructors for people in their care.

Emma is hands-on in her work and often adds intergenerational joy to her classes by having her children engage with elderly and disabled community members.

Emma spends many hours arranging sessions and is motivated by the smiles and joy on participants' faces.

Her work is a tribute to her nan, who passed away from Alzheimer's Disease three years ago. “She taught me how music can help us feel free. Her battle with dementia inspired me to create The Daisie Chain so others can feel that freedom,” says Emma.

A testament to Emma’s dedication is the 1,000 origami Easter bunnies with messages of love and hope that she sent to residents during the COVID lockdowns.

Emma is proud and humbled to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “It gives me the opportunity to highlight the amazing work that is done in aged care and disability and to tackle more of the challenges around these areas.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The Daisie Chain will use its funds to market the online Moves for All program and launch their latest initiative, the Memories Book.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here