On 13 November 1947, a pivotal meeting led to the creation of Music in Hospitals & Care the following year. In 2023 we celebrated 75 years of joy through live music on this day by thanking our supporters, musicians, funders, and health and care partners.
This year, we held a smaller celebration, focusing on our fantastic supporters. We made 72 phone calls and sent 38 cards to individuals and groups who have fundraised for us at events, regularly donate, volunteer as ambassadors, or are current and former musicians who donate or fundraise for us.
We connected with both new and long-time supporters, some with a twenty, thirty, or even forty-year history with us! During these calls, people happily shared memories of the charity, such as travelling across the UK to share live music, serving as trustees, experiencing our live performances, and organizing or attending fundraising events.
We were deeply moved by recollections of how live music has improved the quality of life for loved ones. One supporter fondly remembered Sylvia Lindsay, who led the charity from 1972 to 1992. We also learned more about the connections between our supporters and how they were introduced to us by regular givers, fundraisers, ambassadors, and legators.
It was a truly positive and uplifting day. We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know some of our supporters better and are incredibly grateful for their kind words.
A memorable evening of Wine, Music and Song
Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the Wine, Music and Song event. With music spanning centuries, the evening was a celebration of music in its many different roles.
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.