Mental health and wellbeing

 1 in 4 people experience mental health problems every year in the UK.

Our specially-created live music experiences help people struggling with their mental health to feel relaxed and confident. When people are feeling anxious or alone, our live music offers a way to create new memories and share experiences with others, helping relieve frustration, stress and isolation.

It also helps staff to destress and relax, improving care for the people they support.

We share live music to improve people’s mental health in hospitals, specialist units and community services.

Our live music is specially tailored to the group. Our experienced musicians are sensitive and responsive. They create a space for people to feel in control, somewhere where they can choose to get involved in the music or simply relax and absorb.

Our Music for Mental Health pilot has played a key part in developing our approach to live music in mental health settings. Read more in our impact report on the project.

Three musicians smiling and performing together with microphones and guitar during a Music in Hospitals & Care session.
Two healthcare staff smiling and playing percussion instruments during a Music in Hospitals & Care session.

Did you know?

  • Mental illnesses are more common, long-lasting and have a greater impact than other health conditions.[1]

  • For people experiencing psychosis, live music and music therapy have a positive impact on mental health, recovery and agency.[2]

  • Research into obsessive–compulsive disorder has suggested that music listening can reduce symptom severity for both obsessions and compulsions and could enhance the effects of medication and cognitive behavioural therapy.[3]

  • Following a Music in Hospitals & Care live music experience for people with mental health problems:

    • 97% said that they enjoyed the live music.

    • 83% felt calmer because of the music.

    • 87% said the live music improved their day.

    • 75% of staff said it helped them get to know people in their care.

Musician playing guitar to group of people at Redwoods centre

Partner with us

Generous funding from charitable trusts and foundations makes our live music possible. Could you partner with us to make a difference for people experiencing mental health problems?

Find out more

Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow

“A patient who rarely communicates directly made eye contact, smiled and spoke with the musicians when they asked for her favourite song… milestones are quietly being reached continually and subtly, when there is live music.”

Jennifer Learmonth, Assistant Activities Worker at The Hive, Royal Edinburgh Hospital

“Music in Hospitals & Care’s live music at The Hive gives people who are often feeling powerless the chance to express themselves and play us their favourite song. They are also a wonderful opportunity to get to know patients’ characters and personalities, which hopefully rebuilds their identity and recovery.”