We’ve been sharing the joy of live music with children, their families and staff at Reuben’s Retreat in Glossop. The live music experiences 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 over 1,000 babies, over 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.
A memorabl evening of Wine, Music and Song
Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the Wine, Music and Song event. With music spanning centuries, the evening was a celebration of music in its many different roles.
Arts in Care Homes Day: Thanking Bert Smith
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.
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.