Lively, fun, dynamic and inclusive. These have been the consistent themes which have defined the weekly Music for Life sessions that have been running at North London Hospice Enfield for the last nine months. Facilitated by Ross Hannon, a trainee music therapist who we were very fortunate to have join us from Norduff and Robbins on a placement, this group has been painstakingly cultivated and developed over this period. Based on the aim of having fun and being expressive, the group has been open to all – the only requirement being to have a love for music.
One of the regular attendees reflected on his experience of the group: “Unlike the hospitals I go to, people at the hospice are really wanting to help. The music group has given me a sense of purpose by allowing me to support others in the group too. Helping other people is also helping me. I see other people some of whom are worse off than me, but no matter what their problem is, (coming to the group) it’s good for them. Coming to the hospice has changed my opinion of hospices.”
This is a powerful testament to the impact of the Music for Life group and the benefits of groups in providing a safe space to come together and meet other people with a similar lived experience, aiding the development of informal support networks. The Music for Life Group is one of the wellbeing Compassionate Neighbours groups. Compassionate Neighbours is our volunteer-led support scheme for people who have a life limiting condition who are lonely and/or socially isolated.
The final Music for Life group on 14 December brought Compassionate Neighbours, Community Members, friends and staff together. Together we sung, strummed, tapped and played, responding individually to create an unique sound and experience! An eclectic range of tunes were covered, including a rousing rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody and fittingly we ended with the festive classic, White Christmas.
