How music therapy helps Poppy and her family

Three-year-old Poppy lives with Rett syndrome – a rare genetic disorder affecting around 1 in 10,000 girls born each year. For Poppy, it affects her mobility, energy levels, hand function, and ability to communicate. No one knows how her condition will progress, which creates huge uncertainty for her family.

From her very first music therapy session, something magical happened. Through the rhythms, sounds, and act of playing an instrument with a music therapist, Poppy responded in ways her family had never seen before. It helped her make sense of the world and communicate her feelings.

The benefits of music therapy have been significant not only for Poppy, but also for her family. It’s helped strengthen Poppy’s relationship with her older sister Charlotte, who had previously struggled to bond with her. Through the music therapy sessions, they found a way to connect, play, and enjoy spending time together. For Poppy’s mum Rhiannon, music therapy sessions have given her confidence in using musical activities and communication aids to support Poppy’s development.

Last year alone we transformed the lives of over 12,200 people through music therapy. And with your support we can reach even more people, just like Poppy, who desperately need our help.

About us and our life-changing work

We’re the UK’s largest music therapy charity, with a unique approach shaped by more than 60 years of practice. We use music therapy to support people across the UK, train future music therapists, and carry out research to advance and share our approach.

Our work can be transformative, from an adult with dementia reconnecting with their family, helping an autistic child communicate and connect with another person, to a teenager going through mental health challenges using music to help them get through each day.

We witness the power of music every day, which is why we’re working hard to make sure high-quality music therapy is a key part of health and social care services.