Big Joe with Spitz founder Jane Glitre and Spitz manager Thom Rowlands

BIG Joe has written 10 songs since he started working with the Spitz, a music charity based in an Angel care home that celebrated its 10th anniversary in December.

Joe, 41, a resident at Bridgeside Lodge Care Home in Wharf Road, has been writing songs with Spitz musicians for the past year. He said: “What is life without music? Music is therapy. I can release pain and sorrow.”

The Spitz started in 2013 and moved to Bridgeside Lodge in 2017, where it offers residents the opportunity to learn instruments and play with musicians who come into the home twice a week. Musicians also visit people in hospital, including babies in intensive care and those receiving end of life care.

Charity founder Jane Glitre said: “In some cases, the Spitz has lengthened a client’s life. Generally it brings a lot of joy and also brings art to people that wouldn’t otherwise have the art at all.”