“Volunteering for Music in Hospitals & Care is a privilege. Watching anxious frowns turn to smiles, sensing the thrill from young children holding musical instruments, being in a room with dementia patients who recognise a harmony from their forgotten past – it is humbling, emotional and uplifting all in equal measure.” Says Sandra McLennan, who was first introduced to Music in Hospitals & Care when she worked at Total in Aberdeen.
The company (now known as TotalEnergies), was a corporate partner from our very first days working in Scotland for almost 40 years, helping the charity to grow and funding many live music experiences in Aberdeenshire. After leaving Total, Sandra became of one our volunteer ambassadors, sharing her extensive knowledge of and enthusiasm about our work to raise awareness and funds.
Sandra: “Music in Hospitals & Care’s professional musicians possess a unique ability to engage with their audiences in a way that goes beyond their musical skills. The outcome is transformative. During the pandemic I have been particularly impressed with the commitment demonstrated by the charity and their aim to remain connected with audiences, albeit virtually.
I have supported Music in Hospitals & Care for 22 years in various capacities and look forward to whatever the future holds as we work together to bring joy to others through music.”
As a volunteer ambassador, Sandra gives talks to local community groups and recently spoke to the Rubislaw Church Guild in Aberdeen. The feedback from Secretary Lorna McIntosh demonstrates the value of our wonderful ambassadors like Sandra.
“It was really interesting to hear about the work of Music in Hospitals & Care. Sandra’s commitment and enthusiasm was clear for all to see. We’ll be spreading the word now. Music is so important to us all, and even more so to more vulnerable folks in care settings.”
Thank you Sandra, for being a wonderful ambassador for Music in Hospitals & Care.
Find out more about volunteering for Music in Hospitals & Care.
Student Volunteering Week: Molly
It’s Student Volunteering Week, and we’re celebrating the important role student volunteers play in helping us share the joy of live music with communities across the UK.
Children’s Mental Health Week: Reuben’s Retreat
We’ve been sharing the joy of live music with children, their families and staff at Reuben’s Retreat in Glossop. The sessions are designed to soothe and support children with life limiting illnesses and offer an opportunity for families to connect with others who understand their experience.
Special live music for Burns Night
Burns Night celebrates the poems and songs of Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns and his lasting legacy. Our musician John Davidson is sharing two special live music experiences at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen to commemorate the day.