Scotland Archives - Music in Hospitals & Care Archive

Eden Ward story

Singer and guitarist Charlie Gorman joined Music in Hospitals & Care in 2013 and has performed regularly at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for the past eight years.

It's a light in the week to work towards.

Sharing live music with The Friendship Cabin

“We’re not just listening to the radio or a recording, it’s live music. Somebody’s actually there singing the song and you can get up and sing along with them.” says Claire, a volunteer at The Friendship Cabin, an activity group for adults of all abilities based in Glenrothes, Fife. “When I first started here my confidence was way down, but now I’m up dancing all the time with the members and I really enjoy it.”

“Music just seems to lighten things. You’re that busy singing and dancing you don’t think about anything else. You’re living for the now. It’s great.”

David's story

David is 15 and has cerebral palsy. He loves music and has taken part in some of our #MusicEveryDay online live music through Robin House, which is run by the charity Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). We spoke to David’s mum Evelyn and CHAS Activities Facilitator Alison on a video call.

It’s just a fantastic way for David to engage with something that he loves. I see the benefit it has for David and I would hate to think there's anyone out there who can't access it. It would be such a shame.

Mary's Story

Mary is 79 and has been a resident at Grange Care Home in Kilmarnock, Scotland, for two years. She takes part in all of the activities organised by Derek, Lifestyle Coordinator at the care home, and has a particular fondness for music. We spoke to Mary and Derek on a video call about their online live music with Music in Hospitals & Care musician Neil Sturgeon.

We haven’t had live music for months. So to have a Music in Hospitals & Care musician come in and actually interact directly with residents – asking what songs they would like to hear – it was almost like a wee touch to the outside world again.

Jamming at The Hive

Music in Hospitals & Care singer and guitarist Charlie Gorman runs Music Jam, a specially-created live music experience for people who have mental health problems, in The Hive café at Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

Music Jam gives people who are often feeling powerless the chance to express themselves and play us their favourite song. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get to know patient’s characters and personalities, which, hopefully, rebuilds their identity and recovery.

Our stories

Make a donation