IN the heart of Malvern, where the hills echo with the melodies of the past and present, resides Tony Joyce — a man whose life has been intertwined with the vibrant tapestry of music.

From the age of 14 when he first picked up a guitar to the present day where he finds solace in the strumming of strings, Tony’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of music in people’s lives.

On national Carers Week and Men’s Health Week UK, the awareness events highlight the invaluable contributions of unpaid carers and the importance of mental health which are themes closely connected to Tony’s experiences.

Working as a registered care manager for Severn Vale Home Care, which covers Worcester, Malvern and the surrounding areas, Tony meets many community heroes who tirelessly care for their family members, often unpaid and with little recognition.

He understands first-hand how challenging and rewarding care giving can be and sees music as a way to bring comfort and joy to those who give so much of themselves.

From his father’s influence in the theatre to his own journey of self-expression through music, Tony embodies the spirit of resilience and joy that music brings, even in the face of life’s challenges.

On what made Tony pick up the guitar as a teenager, he declared: “Because I wanted to be a rock ‘n’ roll star!

“My dad played the organ and was involved in the theatre in Malvern.

“Dad used to work at RSRE at the Ministry of Defence and they had a theatre on site for the entertainment of staff.

“I started to help dad by doing the lighting and as kids we were put in the back of the car to hide from the security guard to go into the theatre.

“We played in the theatre while dad was doing the lighting so we heard Gilbert and Sullivan and all sorts of stuff going on with music.

“My love of music really came from him.”

Tony continued: “In view of some of the stuff that was going on at home that was difficult, I wrote a poem for school which received a lot of praise.

“So I started writing poetry. From poetry comes the possibility of writing those words to music and that’s how it kind of started.

“I think I bought it (his electric guitar) in a music shop in Gloucester, probably 25 years ago.

“I actually have five guitars but this is the only electric one.

“I am currently not playing in a band.

“The job involves working evenings and weekends so it sadly means I can’t always be available.

“Responsibilities have always taken me away from playing music professionally but I still enjoy playing at home as a way to relax.”

The connection between music and mental health is profound.

Studies have shown that music can reduce stress, alleviate depression and improve overall mental health.

For carers, who often face significant emotional and physical demands, music can be a crucial outlet for managing stress and maintaining mental wellbeing.

During national Carers Week, Tony wants to acknowledge how creative activities like music can provide a much-needed break and a source of joy.

For more information about the care firm, call 01684 211033 or 01905 950409 or visit www.severnvalehomecare.co.uk.