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We need to raise over £8 million every year to provide outstanding Hospice care to the local community. To get involved with our fundraising activities, design your own, or make a donation, use the information on this page.

Music Therapy

Music therapy is a clinical practice that offers a safe space where patients and therapist can use music to explore thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It’s designed to improve overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Through music, we find many ways to help patients with therapeutic goals, legacy work and memory projects.

Sheet music and hand
Person creating music
Guitar and sheet music
Hannah our Creative Musician with a nurse in Hospice Day Service

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy uses the medium of music within therapeutic frameworks in order to facilitate communication and expression. The aims are therapeutic, rather than educational or recreational. Service users do not need previous experience or expertise in music making. The use of music can be therapeutic in itself and allows physical and emotional release to help facilitate positive change. It can ease anxiety and allow powerful emotions (such as anger, sadness, or frustration) to be expressed and shared.

The use of music can be therapeutic in itself and allows physical and emotional release and help facilitate positive change. Music therapy is not restricted by verbal ability making it an ideal medium for many service users. Music therapy focuses on developing new and healthy ways of making relationships, through shared music making. An ability to make contact with others and form relationships can allow the service user to face new situations or challenges with more support and resources.

The psychological benefits of music therapy include:

  • Reduces symptoms of anxiety
  • Reduces symptoms of depression
  • Reduces stress
  • Improves mood
  • Improves self-esteem
  • Improves social skills
  • Improves self-regulation
  • Safe space to redirect difficult feelings

The physical benefits of music therapy include:

  • Reduces symptoms of breathlessness
  • Reduces pain
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Improves mobility and dexterity
  • Improves communication skills

The cognitive benefits of music therapy include:

  • Improves memory
  • Improves speech
  • Improves attention and focus
  • Develops creativity
  • Encourages self-expression
  • Provides choice

What's on Offer?

Music Expression Group

At Hospice in the Weald, our Music Expression Group offers a vibrant and inclusive space for individuals to explore and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of music. Our sessions cater to a wide range of musical interests and abilities, ensuring everyone can participate and find joy in the experience. We engage in various musical activities, from creating unique soundscapes and testing musical knowledge with interactive quizzes, to experiencing the calming effects of guided relaxation exercises. Participants can enjoy listening to a diverse selection of music, share their thoughts and feelings, and join in playing instruments, whether they are seasoned musicians or beginners. Each week brings new and exciting musical activities, making our sessions dynamic and ever-evolving. Join us to connect with others, express yourself creatively, and experience the profound impact of music in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Relaxation Group

At Hospice in the Weald, our Relaxation Group provides a serene and supportive environment where individuals can unwind and rejuvenate. Through guided relaxation exercises, participants experience the calming effects of mindfulness and gentle movement, helping to reduce stress and promote overall well-being. The sessions incorporate a variety of techniques, including deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization, all designed to foster a sense of peace and tranquillity. Whether you’re seeking a moment of quiet reflection or a way to manage anxiety, our Relaxation Group offers a welcoming space to connect with others and find inner calm amidst life’s challenges.

Sing Along Group

At Hospice in the Weald, our Sing Along Group offers a joyful and engaging experience for all participants. Each session begins with a warm-up that includes breathing exercises, physical stretches, and vocal exercises to prepare everyone for singing. We then dive into a group sing, using a songbook that features a curated set list of songs. This songbook is refreshed every few months to keep the repertoire exciting and varied. During the session, each person has the opportunity to choose a song from the book if they wish, ensuring everyone can share their favourite tunes. Join us to lift your spirits, connect with others, and enjoy the therapeutic power of singing together.

1:1 Music Therapy Sessions

At Hospice in the Weald, our 1:1 music therapy sessions offer personalized support for both young people from the children’s service and adults. Our resident music therapist tailors each session to meet the unique needs of the individual, using music as a therapeutic tool to enhance emotional well-being, communication, and overall quality of life. These sessions can take place at the hospice in Pembury or within the community, including home visits and school visits, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all participants. Whether it’s through playing instruments, singing, or simply listening to music, our music therapy sessions provide a safe and nurturing environment for personal expression and healing.

 

We also offer legacy work as part of the music offering at Hospice in the Weald – Click here for more information on the legacy work offer.

Hospice choir rehearsing in Living Well.

Hospice in the Weald Community Choir

The Hospice in the Weald Community Choir – now known as ‘Singing for Wellbeing’  is a Hospice group for patients and their families and carers, bereaved relatives, staff and volunteers and the wider community. The choir sing a wide range of songs from pop, Disney to classical and we always ask for suggestions. You do not need any experience to join the choir, just a passion for singing!

The group rehearse every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.

If you are interested to find out more about our Hospice choir, get in contact now!