Annual report 2025/26
Together, in 2025/26 we reached over 37,000 people, creating 1,584 hours of laughter, singing, dancing and connection. Your support truly helps to keep the music playing across the UK.
Welcome
Welcome to our 2025/26 annual report.
Despite the challenges we have faced this year, what truly stands out is the extraordinary dedication of the Music in Hospitals & Care community. We are so proud of what we have been able to achieve together.
Outcomes
The outcomes are the meaningful changes we aim to create through our work, each supported by specific ways to measure success.
In hospitals, 28% of people experienced less physical pain; in care homes, 52% of people expressed themselves more as a result of our live music.
Looking ahead
Our Chair, Maureen Hall, reflects on her experiences of our live music and what this means for the future of Music in Hospitals & Care.
“We are encouraged by the huge opportunity for future growth. We have increasing evidence of the positive impact of our work, and demand for our services is ever increasing. We are excited to work with all of our staff, musicians, volunteers and supporters to ensure that people in hospital and care can access and experience the joy of live music.”
Striking a chord that resonates
It has been a decade since ICU Hear® launched.
“In ICU, even a gentle melody can slow breathing, ease tension, and help patients feel calmer and more connected. I remember a family had gathered to say their goodbyes to their elderly father who was receiving end of life care. The music allowed all the emotion to finally come pouring out, in tears and in words.” – Musician, Paul Kerr
Turning the page, changing the tune
In 2025/26, we raised more than £60,000 through a single appeal and increased grants from trusts and foundations by 27%.
Despite the support we have received, the challenging financial landscape has meant that income has not been able to keep up with demand for our live music. This means that there are still many people who cannot access live music during their time in hospital or care.
Playing our part
In the final investment year of our strategy, we continued to ensure we had the right people, systems and structures in place to take the organisation forward.
We heard from staff about working for Music in Hospitals & Care and took intentional steps to ensure we are set up for the future and hold ourselves responsible for our wider impact on the environment and equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
Financial summary
As we reached the final year of the investment strategy, we are pleased to report growth in nearly all areas of income. Across the last three years we have continued to diversify our income and begin to create more sustainability for the future.
We enter 2026/27 with clarity on what we need to achieve to reach the end of our strategy in 2028. Financial success is defined by removing the funding gap, and increasing both established and new income streams.
About us
At Music in Hospitals & Care, we’ve been sharing the healing power of live music since 1948.
Live music can transform relationships between patients, families, healthcare professionals, residents and carers. When people enjoy music together, they feel more connected to each other, which leads to more personalised care.
Become a Friend
Over the years, our Friends have enabled us to reach thousands of children and adults with live music.
By becoming a Friend or a Champion, your commitment allows us to plan confidently and ensure musicians can return consistently to the same wards and care homes to build meaningful programmes of live music.
Partner with us
There is no set template for building a partnership with Music in Hospitals & Care. We will work together to understand what drives you and your team to create a partnership that aligns with both organisations’ values and goals.
Thank you
All of the generous grants, donations and fundraising efforts from our amazing health and care partners, supporters and funders make our live music possible. We couldn’t do it without you — thank you for keeping the music playing.
