Roy Jones first became involved with Music in Hospitals & Care when he was ScottishPower Foundation’s Community Manager for Wales and North West England. He has been volunteering with us since 2016.
“Being a volunteer ambassador has involved helping to raise awareness of the charity, fundraising and going along to live music. In the beginning I went to observe quite a few new musicians, which was really good. More recently I have attended community events such as for the Co-op Local Community Fund in Wrexham and Chester.
Whilst at the Scottish Power Foundation I also went to a few launch events for programmes they funded. I remember one in Newtown in Mid Wales specifically. There were quite a few people just sitting around in the room, their faces totally blank. But as soon as the musician started singing, it was as if a light had just been switched on.
One gentleman had previously been in a Male Voice Choir and suddenly he just burst into song. And that was the time I think it came home to me that music can open doors that have been shut for a long time. It was quite profound. And it may not have lasted for long, but in that moment they just came alive. That’s the real impact of Music in Hospitals & Care.”
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.