Mental Health Awareness Week: Healing live music at The Hive

We have been running regular ‘Music Jams’ with professional musician Charlie Gorman at The Hive, a community space for patients at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, for over ten years. These interactive live music experiences, developed in partnership with NHS Lothian Charity’s arts and health programme Tonic Arts, are specifically designed to support and improve the mental health of both patients and staff. Participants are supported and encouraged to get up on stage and join in with the music. 

Live music plays a powerful role in rehabilitation and recovery for  people with acute mental health problems. At The Hive, regular live music sessions have become an integral part of patients’ routine. This consistency fosters trust, creativity, and deeper engagement among participants.

Music in Hospitals & Care singer and guitarist Charlie Gorman, who hosts the Music Jams, explains: “I’ve seen how valuable and therapeutic participation in music can be to both body and mind. It’s like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders when people make the brave decision to get up on stage and play an instrument – or sing a song in front of their friends and other audience members.”

Charlie added: “A lot of people who come in for the first time find it quite hard to engage. But the difference between when they first arrive and when they finally get up to sing is really dramatic. You might have 100 people in The Hive, but once someone gets involved, you can’t get them to sit down – it’s that transformative. It’s especially rewarding because a lot of them are young people, many facing tough situations. I truly believe they get a lot out of it, both from the experience and the community around them.”

Through our partnership with Tonic Arts, last year alone we reached over 2,000 patients and delivered 116 hours of live music in healthcare settings across Edinburgh & the Lothians. In addition to mental health services, this included people living with dementia and those who are seriously ill.

Jennifer Learmonth, Assistant Activities Worker at The Hive, says Music Jam is one of its most popular activities and is enjoyed by everyone who attends. “There are a few people who come every week and the buzz they get from singing with Charlie is so inspiring to watch. Their faces really do brighten up after they have sung something. They are always so proud of themselves, and rightfully so. The group is always so supportive of each other on Charlie’s lead. It gives people who are often feeling powerless the chance to express themselves and play us their favourite song. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to get to know patients’ characters and personalities, which can help to rebuild their identity and support their recovery.”

Len McCaffer, Tonic Arts Manager at NHS Lothian Charity, said: “Music Jam brings such valuable and uplifting experiences to patients. We’re delighted to support Music in Hospitals and Care to bring these moments of joy and connection to the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, recognising the important role that live music plays in improving mental health.”

We understand that providing a supportive environment and connecting patients with creative activities such as live music can play a crucial role in supporting their mental health. It is why the regular Music Jam sessions at The Hive will continue for another year thanks to funding from NHS Lothian Charity. This will help to bring the healing power of live music to more patients who might not otherwise get to experience it.