“Being a volunteer ambassador has involved helping to raise awareness of the charity, fundraising and going along to live music. I remember one specifically; there were quite a few people just sitting around in the room, their faces totally blank. But as soon as the musician started singing, it was as if a light had just been switched on. And that was the time I think it came home to me that music can open doors that have been shut for a long time. It was quite profound.”
Roy Jones – Volunteer, North Wales since 2016

“The live music experiences are so important for parent carers. It helps us to engage with each other and prevents social isolation, all while having a sing-song and a boogie. The difference in the group members has been tremendous and they always ask when the musicians are coming next. Before having children, concerts were my life, I’d go to about 10 a year. Due to becoming a parent carer and now the cost of living crisis, it’s something I don’t get to enjoy as much. I feel that Music in Hospitals & Care has kept my love for live music alive.”
Jenna Hillyard – Group leader at SPACE, Manchester Parent Carer Forum#

“The power of music is incredible. I hear families say they can’t believe it because their father has disappeared, but then he’ll be singing all the words of a song they didn’t even know he knew. I’ve loved the work and found it incredibly humbling and extraordinary. More than in any other way of making music, you have to give the best of yourself. You are thinking of other people all the way through and you really want to take them away for a while. That’s such an incredible thing to be able to be a part of.”
Laura Stephenson – Musician in South England since 1986

In September we surveyed our musicians to get their thoughts on our impact and how we measure it. 41 musicians completed the survey and their responses informed our new evaluation framework and Theory of Change. When asked how they know the difference they make, one musician said:

“After playing at Gloucester Hospital psychiatric unit with my son many years ago, a young lad who was a patient tugged at his sleeve and said ‘thank you for stopping the horror for a bit.’ I take that with me every day.”

“We as staff value the live music. It validates our worth, and undoubtedly brings pleasure and happiness for the remainder of the day. Listening to some of the very skilled musicians is also soothing and relaxing, not just for patients, but for staff. It gives time out from a busy day, allowing one to get lost in the music.”

Staff member at Holywell Hospital, Antrim