Last year we embarked on a three year project with two health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland to explore regular programmes of live music and the benefits this can have for patients and staff.
Sharing live music on a regular basis builds meaningful relationships between our professional musicians, our health and care partners, and the people they support. This approach helps our musicians to understand the needs and preferences of those who take part and gives people something to look forward to that isn’t focused around medical treatment. Providing longer programmes of live music also allows us to better evaluate the impact of music in these settings, and work towards embedding live music as a vital part of people’s health and social care.
During the first year of the project we have worked with the Arts in Health Manager at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and the Health & Wellbeing Manager at Northern Health and Social Care Trust. Both trusts have established approaches to arts in health and are supportive of live music as a therapeutic experience for both patients and staff.
20 hours of live music have been shared so far across four hospital settings for older people living with dementia and adults with drug and alcohol problems. One patient said that they had the “best day, all I did was laughed and smiled” and another said that it “made my anxiety reduce. It was good for my mood and made me relaxed.”
The live music has also been beneficial for staff, with many saying it increased communication and interaction on the wards and improved their mental health and wellbeing.
“We as staff value the session. It validates our worth, and undoubtedly brings pleasure and happiness for the remainder of the day. Listening to some of the very skilled musicians is also soothing and relaxing, not just for patients but for staff. It gives time out from a busy day, allowing one to get lost in the music.”
Staff member at Holywell Hospital, Antrim
“It felt like we were all sharing enjoyment and feelings about the songs together. By the end there was a lovely atmosphere and a good few jokes too. The group seemed to have really enjoyed the session.”
Music in Hospitals & Care musician
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.
Read our latest annual report
In 2025/26 we focused on setting the right note for the future. Despite a challenging landscape, we are proud of what we have been able to achieve with your support.