This Arts in Care Homes Day, we’re taking the time to thank Moyness Care Home’s Activities Coordinator Bert Smith, who has championed live music for care homes in Dundee for over 30 years. As Bert approaches retirement, he is looking back on his career and years of work with Music in Hospitals & Care.
Bert explains: “I love working with Music in Hospitals & Care. Their musicians are extremely talented and professional. They have an ability and commitment to touching the hearts of others at what can be a difficult time in life. The sessions can be absolutely magical and a privilege to witness.”
It’s thanks to long-running partnerships like the one we have with Moyness Care Home that we are able to provide continuity for residents. It’s a regular activity to look forward to, and it helps our musicians build lasting connections with staff and residents.
Bert adds: “I have worked in social care for well over 30 years, more than half my life in fact. Throughout those years I have had the great pleasure of working with Music in Hospitals & Care, initially accommodating one-off live music. These were all marvellous events and showed the quality, professionalism and range of musicians you work with. Recently, however, I have had the privilege to work on year-long music projects which have been very special to me and our residents. These programmes have been so valuable as most of our residents have very advanced levels of dementia but music has a unique way of cutting through these barriers.”
Live Music Programmes Development Manager, Kirstyn Knowles, has been working with Moyness Care Home for several years. Kirstyn adds: “Working alongside Bert has been a real privilege and a pleasure. His passion for the arts, his creativity and above all, his genuine commitment to improving the lives and experiences of both residents and staff at Moyness Care Home have been truly inspiring. Bert’s involvement in developing our Room for Music approach has been invaluable and will go a long way to improving the lives of people in care homes long after her retires.”
This Arts in Care Homes Day, we are celebrating Bert and care home staff across the UK who help to make these moments possible, because we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of live music.
World Alzheimer’s Month: Lifting spirits in Cumbria
Our musician Andy McKay has been visiting wards and care homes across Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, where we have been able to share 29 hours of live music between September 2025 and May 2026. One of the spaces Andy visited is the Ramsey Unit at Furness General Hospital, an assessment unit for patients with organic illnesses such as dementia.
Read our latest annual report
In 2025/26 we focused on setting the right note for the future. Despite a challenging landscape, we are proud of what we have been able to achieve with your support.
An unforgettable evening of wine, music and song
Join us on Thursday 24 September at the historic St James Garlickhythe Church in central London for a very special evening of live music. Guests will enjoy wine and canapés from 6:30pm, with music starting at 7:30pm until around 9:20pm.