This week we are celebrating our fantastic volunteers and the valuable addition they make to the Music in Hospitals & Care community. From helping out at fundraising events, to being on our local committees or Board of Trustees, helping out behind the scenes in our area offices, collecting feedback from health and care settings and reaching out to new ones, we want to thank all of the people who donate their time and skills to help us share the healing power of live music.
We spoke to Yasmin Mair, who recently volunteered with us in the Fundraising and Communications team.
What made you want to volunteer with Music in Hospitals & Care?
I studied music at university and grew an interest in how music impacts health. I was told about Music in Hospitals & Care and what they do, and was interested in seeing how as a charity they reach out to people and the interactions made through music in these settings.
What did you get involved with while you were volunteering?
During my time volunteering I helped with creating listings for the live stream events on the website and other tasks on YouTube, social media and Spotify. The opportunity to transcribe some of the videos was great as I got to see and hear how individuals in care homes relied on music throughout this pandemic. My favourite moment was watching a live music session on Zoom. Even though I couldn’t be there in person due to COVID, it was great to see the strong interaction between everyone even through the virtual performance.
What skills did you gain?
The role allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, have a clearer understanding when carrying out tasks, and explore new interests within social media, fundraising, and communications. Since volunteering I have been able to put these skills to use within the work I do now as a Music Director at Ama-zing Harmonies.
Would you recommend volunteering for Music in Hospitals & Care to others?
Yes, definitely. Everyone was very welcoming and the team I was working with was great. There is something unique about Music in Hospitals & Care and I don’t think many people fully understand how much of an impact they have through the work they are doing until they experience and see it for themselves.
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.
An unforgettable evening of wine, music and song
Join us on Thursday 24 September at the historic St James Garlickhythe Church in central London for a very special evening of live music. Guests will enjoy wine and canapés from 6:30pm, with music starting at 7:30pm until around 9:20pm.