Last Friday was VE Day, which marks the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. We have recently been sharing live music with naval veterans and their families at Royal Naval Benevolent Trust care homes in Portsmouth and Gillingham.
Wellbeing Coordinator at Admiral Jellicoe House in Portsmouth, Sarina Bailey, explains: “Live music has had a really powerful effect here at Admiral Jellicoe House, especially when it comes to mood. For people with dementia, hearing music performed live often brings an almost immediate lift. People become calmer, happier, and more engaged, even if they were previously anxious or withdrawn. It can spark memories and help them reconnect with a sense of who they are, which is something that often fades as the condition progresses.”
At Pembroke House in Gillingham, live music experiences with our musicians Lissie Bayford and Christine Adams combine vocals, keyboard, and the fiddle to create a soothing soundscape for veterans. Sessions involve ‘hand dancing’, and both musicians move around the room to reach residents individually.
“The residents were glad to see familiar faces and had already gathered in the lounge, knowing what to expect,” says Lissie. “The singing was gentle but really engaged. A man who had appeared distressed and withdrawn lifted his head and sang strongly at the end of the session.”
Christine adds: “One gentleman sang a solo verse and was met with warm applause. Another resident was visibly moved when a song associated with his wedding day was played.”
Sessions also support social interaction, as Sarina explains: “There’s also a social side to it, live music creates a shared moment, helping people interact more with others around them, including our staff.” She adds that for veterans, “music has given them a way to express emotions that might be hard to put into words,” and that it “can recreate a sense of camaraderie and connection, which many veterans miss after leaving service.”
We work in partnership with organisations like the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust to share live music with those who may be facing physical or emotional challenges. For many veterans, music is a lifeline that provides comfort, reduces isolation, and rekindles memories.
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Cheering on our amazing London Marathon runners!
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Concert cellist Lydia takes on the London Marathon for Music in Hospitals & Care
Lydia, a professional cellist in New York, has been involved in music and performing in care settings for many years: “When I was younger, my grandfather was in a care home, and we would visit and play music for him.”