A passion for music and people is what drives us forward

Together In Musical Expression

Making music accessible and inclusive 

T.I.M.E. is founded on the belief that music is for everyone. We’re an Essex-based charity devoted to breaking down barriers and bringing people of all ages and abilities together to experiment, grow, and have fun through music. Our events are designed to be accessible and inclusive to people with additional needs, mental health challenges, and dementia. All are welcome, and no previous music knowledge is required. 

We don’t believe in rules or limits — music is for anytime, anywhere, and anyone. Our ever-evolving collection of musical experiences includes therapeutic and sensory-based relaxation sessions, songwriting workshops, instrument tuition, and other forms of creative and physical expression. We’ve brought these fun, free-flowing creative experiences to educational institutions, care facilities, recovery and treatment centers, and more. 

Our work is made possible through charitable contributions; donations are welcome and appreciated. T.I.M.E. is also supported through private music sessions that we offer as a separate service. Get in touch to book your session! 

Our Team

  • Two men sit at a table, looking at a keyboard with colored stickers, in a room decorated with colorful bowling pin and animal figurines in the background.

    Marc Barnacle - Director/Instructor


    Starting out as a studio engineer, private guitar tutor and part-time music instructor at a local SEN school, I was able to build a reputation that inspired and enabled me to launch the music service – TIME. Coupled with a background of support work within the realms of disability, mental health, drug and substance mis-use and the homeless sector, I was passionate about providing people of all ages and abilities with the benefits that creative outlets can bring.

  • A young man with tattoos on his arm is kneeling and giving a brightly colored djembe drum to an elderly woman sitting on a sofa. The elderly woman is reaching out to accept the drum, smiling, in a room with several other elderly people sitting and watching, some with walkers, in a well-lit, cozy setting.

    Mike Barnes - Director/Instructor


    Picking up an instrument opened a whole new world for me. It gave me a passion, a purpose, it led me to meeting some of the most amazing people that have remained my closest friends until today, it gave me confidence, an emotional release, and something to be proud of.

    Being a part of TIME is about providing that same opportunity to others. My aim when I walk out the door everyday is to bring happiness, joy and wellbeing to as many people as possible, thats what TIME is all about.

  • A group of four people, including a young girl in a wheelchair, a woman, a man with a guitar, and a man holding a drum, in a music room, engaging in music activities.

    Rob Fillary - Director/Instructor


    My first interaction regarding creative arts and disability occurred when I was 16 years old. I undertook a residency at a local SEN School in Basildon, combining music with visual arts , which had a profound impact on the students.

    I pursued working within the visual arts throughout college and studied a Fine Art (BA Hons) degree at the Winchester School of Art. My work focussed on raising awareness and issues in relation to disability. Upon completing my degree, Marc and I started to interact and engage more and I decided to join his venture in the formulation of TIME.

  • A young girl with blonde hair in pigtails wearing a pink sweater, learning to play guitar with the help of a smiling man with glasses, a beard, and a black T-shirt in a music classroom.

    David Bindon - Instructor


    David is a passionate musician with years of experience working with children and young people. His natural creativity, patience and warmth make him a fantastic facilitator, helping participants feel comfortable expressing themselves through music.

    Since joining the TIME team, David has done incredible work across our sessions, bringing enthusiasm, musical talent and a genuine care for the people we support. His ability to connect with participants of all ages and abilities makes him a hugely valued member of the TIME family.

  • Lucy Burgess - Fundraising Manager

    I’ve spent over a decade in the charity world, but music has always been my first love. I tell my children "if you can play an instrument, you'll never be bored or alone". From the early days of my Dad teaching me to play guitar to writing original music with friends, I know how music develops skills, confidence and connection. I bring that same creativity to fundraising, first through events at The J’s Hospice and Havens Hospices, then in the world of Trusts and Foundations at Gingerbread. I'm so excited to unite my two passions as Fundraising Manager at this amazing charity.

    Growing up, I saw how music brought joy to my aunt, who had Down's Syndrome (she absolutely loved to dance!) and this inspires my commitment to making inclusive opportunities for meaningful musical experiences available to everyone.

How we Built a Charity That Changes Lives Through Music

Our Trustees

  • Person with colorful pink, orange, and yellow hair, wearing glasses, outdoors in a grassy area with trees and buildings in the background.

    Shel Cribben

    I have 14 years experience of working within the homelessness sector. Therefore, inspiring individuals to achieve and maintain good mental and emotional well-being is incredibly important to me.

    Equally, performing as a vocalist and songwriter for many years means I know first hand the benefits that creating and experiencing music in whatever form has on the soul!

    All of this meant that it made complete sense to join TIME as a trustee. I felt there values as an organisation spoke to me. The work the charity carries out is so important in ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society are engaged with something meaningful, fun and which promotes connections with others. I have loved being a part of the charities growth and am looking forward to watching TIME continue to impact many more lives along the way

  • Portrait of a man with light hair and blue eyes, wearing a white shirt and dark tie, smiling slightly, against a plain light gray background.

    Colin Kingsnorth

    A degree in Economics from The East London University and a CFA. A lifetime in the City Of London and set up with a partner a fund management business called Laxey Partners in the 90s. Stepped down as CEO in 2021 and now happily semi-retired.”

  • A woman with brown hair wearing sunglasses and a black top, outdoors with a plain background.

    Jemma Keyes

    I studied Fine Art at the University of East London and collaborated with artists and community projects in London and Essex. In 2016, I completed a PGCE in Further Education, specialising in Fine Art at the University of South Essex. Since 2018, I have been the Head of Art and a class teacher in both primary and secondary education, where I work with other schools promoting the importance of Art in education.

    I am currently working with a number of community projects in South Essex, building links with outside organisations to enable children and their families to have free access to art, nature and wellbeing projects.

Our Ambassadors

  • John Hawker

    Despite my half arsed attempts to learn to play a range of instruments over the years, with the exception of a few wonky guitar chords, I’m still no musician. In hindsight, my issue was that I forgot the most important part of music. Playing. Making. Creating.

    A musician I may not be but I had every opportunity to pick up a guitar. Press the keys on a piano. I even ‘pretended’ to play the cello in my school orchestra. Not everyone has access to those opportunities. I was incredibly fortunate.

    I’m equally fortunate to have met Mike and Marc at T.I.M.E and to have seen the impact of the incredible work they do. As an ambassador I intend to do everything I can to raise awareness of the benefits of music and support the charity on their mission to make music accessible to all