UK Music

<h3>Background</h3> Hospice care in the UK remains deeply stigmatised, with many members of the public associating hospices solely with end-of-life suffering. This narrow perception restricts early engagement and contributes to isolation for patients and families. Concurrently, social prescribing has gained national traction as a means to address chronic illness, mental health challenges, and ageing-related decline through non-clinical interventions such as the arts (Fancourt, Finn, Baxter. Social prescribing: new approaches to wellness. UCL; 2023). Yet, these strategies remain underused in hospice environments, which are rarely positioned as long-term community assets. A 2023-24 pilot at a London hospice demonstrated the power of personalised, live music on engagement and well-being. Over 70 patients and 100 family members participated; 85% reported emotional uplift or memory recall, 70% noted reduced agitation, and over 20 families described strengthened bonds or legacy creation. A landmark three-hour outdoor concert recorded zero PRN inpatient medication use – the first in the hospice’s history – and achieved over 150,000+ social media views (91% from non-followers), demonstrating strong public interest in creative, accessible, hospice content. This work underscores the potential for arts-based interventions to reposition hospices as inclusive, life-affirming spaces that serve broader community functions. <h3>Aims</h3> Evaluate whether interactive music events at Prospect Hospice can improve public perceptions of hospices. Assess whether music can support participation in health research among underserved communities. Co-design and conduct a preliminary evaluation of a creative arts framework integrated into hospice care. <h3>Methods</h3> 12-month pilot featuring three live music events co-designed with patients, families, and community partners. Inclusive programming targeting multi-faith groups, schools, food bank users, and those experiencing homelessness. Collaboration with Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Together Research Hub and the National Institute for Health and Care Research to embed research awareness into events. <h3>Evaluation</h3> Mixed methods: surveys, ethnographic observation, participatory research, and community-led feedback loops. Evaluation of the first concert presented these qualitative evaluations from staff and families: ‘<i>It was powerful to witness one guest move from seeing hospices as unwelcoming to strongly agreeing they’re emotionally safe, inclusive spaces where creativity can thrive. That kind of shift is exactly what these events are about</i>.’ Director of Patient Services. ‘<i>I couldn’t believe it! I have never had music played especially for me before. This was so moving and created a lot of emotions for me that I had been holding in. I felt valued and appreciated like never before. At a time when I was desperately sad and worried, it gave me such a boost. I will never forget this.’</i> Partner of a patient dying on the inpatient unit. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Music can reshape hospices as accessible, inclusive health spaces. This pilot offers a replicable model for sector-wide engagement.

Tribute to Helen Leith (28 February 1958 – 30 December 2014)

(1998). The analysis of electroacoustic music: Introduction. Journal of New Music Research: Vol. 27, Analysis of Electroacoustic Music, pp. 3-12.