We’ve been sharing the joy of live music with children, their families and staff at Reuben’s Retreat in Glossop. The sessions are designed to soothe and support children with life limiting illnesses and offer an opportunity for families to connect with others who understand their experience.
One parent shared: “We really enjoyed the music session. We liked that we were able to request our son’s favourite songs, familiarity does help to engage him with an activity. It was very accessible for him, he was able to choose musical instruments such as shakers, tambourines and bells so that he could join in. We also enjoyed meeting other families, and we like being part of a community.”
Gemma Fletcher, Children and Young People Champion at Reuben’s Retreat, added: “It is very sensory, with children listening and feeling the beat. With the musical instruments, we had a little girl who is nonverbal hold an instrument for the first time while she was here. Watching moments like that and seeing parents interact so beautifully with their children through music, can be very emotional.”
In the past year our professional musicians delivered over 90 hours of live music through our Lullaby Hour programme, reaching 1,000+ babies, 500+ parents and carers and nearly 1,000 staff across neonatal wards, hospices and community centres.
At Reuben’s Retreat our musicians take a tailored approach, moving around the room to interact with children or playing requests from parents.
Explaining the impact of live music for the children and their parents or carers, Gemma added: “We had a family who came out of hospital last year after spending a year there. Their son absolutely loves music, and you can see it on his face. He moves his head to the rhythm, almost dancing, and he is always smiling. Children may arrive upset or unsettled, but by the time they leave, both the children and their parents are smiling and happy. Sometimes they don’t want to leave because they are having such a lovely time.”
Music provides a non-verbal way for children to express feelings they may not have the language for. Shared musical experiences help children feel connected to others, and it is this sense of connection that can reduce feelings of isolation and support social and emotional development, especially for children with complex needs.
Special live music for Burns Night
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Make double the difference when you support our Big Give Christmas appeal
Until midday on 9 December, every donation we receive up to £30,000 will be match funded through the Big Give Christmas challenge.
Trustees’ Week: Jeremy Huw Williams
This Trustees’ Week we are thanking Jeremy Huw Williams for his contributions and dedication over the past seven years as a trustee and eleven years as a supporter.