Please support our 2020 Christmas Appeal

We have been severely impacted by Covid-19. Most of our fundraising events and activities have all been cancelled meaning we are expecting to lose over 50% of our income in 2020, putting music therapy at risk of stopping for the people who need it most. People like Thomas.

Since the pandemic, Thomas, who is only seven years old, has not been able to leave his hospital room or have any visitors other than his mum.

Paralysed from the neck down, his mood and level of motivation have been low, and he has experienced frequent periods of anger and frustration. Because of this, he was referred to Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy to help with social isolation and to support his mental health.

Now Thomas has a music therapy session every week with Janet, a Nordoff Robbins Music Therapist, and it is one of the only chances he has each week to escape.

“Given his minimal physical movement, music therapy focusses on his vocal abilities, facial expressions and maximising his imagination,” says Music Therapist Janet McLachlan, who makes music with Thomas. “It offers him a way to find energy and power.” 

It is only through the work of our frontline music therapists like Janet that we help Thomas and others like him.

“He looks so happy,” said Thomas’ mum, Dayna. “He’s benefiting so much from having the sessions with Janet, and it’s made such a difference to his mood. He really looks forward to them.”

Due to the complex treatment he needs, Thomas has been more isolated than ever during this crisis, which is why his weekly music therapy sessions are such a highlight, and so important to his wellbeing.

From the end of November up to Christmas, we’re asking people to donate what they can and to give the gift of music this Christmas.

These donations will go straight to helping Nordoff Robbins provide more music therapy to people like Thomas.

Donate here