How T.I.M.E.’s music sessions transforms wellbeing in hospice care
At T.I.M.E, we believe that music is for everyone.
That belief came to life during a recent session at Fair Havens hospice, where we delivered a therapeutic music session to patients, creating a shared experience of joy, creativity and belonging. Whether someone is living with complex needs, dementia, or an incurable condition, music has the power to ease pain, reduce stress and elevate mood.
During our session at Fair Havens, participants took part in:
Singing familiar, well-loved songs
Playing accessible instruments like tambourines and shakers
Exploring sensory sounds through instruments like the ocean drum
Singing and playing instruments can bring joy, ease anxiety, and create meaningful connections. The group joined in on classics such as “What a Wonderful World” and “Fly Me to the Moon”, songs that everyone knows and can sing along to. One attendee reflected:
““It was really good fun and made me feel happy. I don’t normally sing in front of other people, but it makes you feel good. I wanted to join in so others would feel comfortable too. It’s food for the soul — everyone should do this workshop.”
Bringing music into hospice care does not require previous musical experience or talent - just a willingness to take part.
That’s at the heart of everything we do at TIME: breaking down barriers so everyone can join in.
Why music matters in end-of-life care
Music isn’t just an activity, it’s a powerful tool for wellbeing. It’s about understanding the person and supporting their emotional and spiritual needs and helping them remember they are more than their illness.
Research and real-life experiences show that music can:
Reduce anxiety and stress
Stimulate memory and communication
Encourage gentle movement
In end-of-life care, music helps people relax during what can be a challenging time. It presents an opportunity to explore, express and understand complex feelings and emotions. A survey by Marie Curie found that 84% of recently bereaved people said music helped their love one feel calm in the final days.
Accessibility and inclusion is the key to success for our music charity. We are continually striving to find ways that everyone is included, celebrated and heard. From limited physical movement to non-verbal participants our instructors adapt their delivery to suit the needs of every individual. We all deserve access to the many therapeutic benefits that music participation provides.
You can read more about T.I.M.E and Fair Havens here: [echo-news.co.uk]