Hospice Care Week: Bringing comfort and fun to young lives at Ty Hafan

For children and families facing the most difficult circumstances, music can ease pain, reduce anxiety, and create shared moments of connection. This Hospice Care Week, we are highlighting the powerful role live music plays in children’s hospices such as Ty Hafan in South Wales. Live music brings comfort, fun, and a sense of normality to young lives that are often dominated by treatments and hospital stays.

Music in Hospitals & Care harpist and saxophone duo Ellie Thomas and Megan Morris have been sharing live music at  Ty Hafan monthly since August. Ellie describes a recent visit: “We had a fantastic session. Staff were able to provide information on each child and their needs, which allowed us to adapt where needed.

“We set up with our version of Monkey Puzzle, using a backdrop, animals from the story and other props. We were able to use that time to find out more about each patient, their likes and dislikes, sing certain songs and listen to the harp while exploring what it feels like on their hands and fingers.”

Live music can give children and family members a way to connect and express themselves. Live music experiences could include gentle songs and melodies to soothe, or more interactive experiences where children sing, dance, tap along or play instruments.

Research shows that live music interventions in paediatric spaces helps children and families focus on something external to illness and makes the hospital environment less threatening. Live music has also been shown to increase the oxygen levels of babies that are seriously ill. For the children at Ty Hafan and their families, the live music is a chance to make meaningful memories together.