Despite overwhelming evidence that music improves health, boosts morale, reduces falls, cuts prescriptions, lowers anxiety and aids recovery, overstretched NHS hospitals cannot offer these vital creative therapies. Nearly a third of NHS staff feel burnt out, and patients – especially people living with dementia or recovering from stroke, and children facing frightening treatments – miss out on transformative, healing musical experiences that could dramatically improve their quality of life.

Building on proven success in Dorset, we will expand into Southampton NHS Trust, bringing live, interactive music to patients and transforming hospital spaces into uplifting, healing environments. Guided by clinical staff, BSO musicians will provide group workshops, instrumental coaching and joyful performances by bedsides and in communal areas – directly improving patients’ emotional and physical wellbeing. External evaluation will ensure lasting impact and help expand the programme further.