Thank you to everyone who has helped to fund this wonderful post at Addenbrooke’s ❤

A huge thank you to everyone who has helped Jess Grant Celebration to fund music therapy for teenagers and young adults at Addenbrooke’s.
The following extracts are taken from a recent article, written by Cambridge University Hospital, to put a spotlight on music therapy and to promote the new provision for young people, which Jess’ charity is proud to be funding during its first year.
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The CUH music therapy service has been supporting paediatric patients for 21 years as part of our ongoing efforts to make extended hospital stays more positive for young patients. Recent feedback from a teenager undergoing cancer treatment highlights the difference it can make; helping him reconnect with music and the things he loves during his time in hospital.
The teenager has been having music therapy with Oli Swan, who lent him a guitar to play outside of their therapy time. The patient said it took his mind off his treatment and had a “huge impact on my mental health.”
Oli said: “It is humbling to work with teenagers and young people while they are being treated for cancer. There are a lot of patients who want to take part in music therapy sessions, which might involve playing or improvising with an instrument, or writing songs to help process their emotions.
“It is an opportunity to communicate and support their emotional wellbeing as part of their wider care, which is a privilege to be part of.
“The power of music therapy in hospital settings with children and young people is that it offers a therapeutic intervention that can feel less medical and more approachable, during a time where young patients are likely to be experiencing a lot of challenging emotions around their diagnosis and treatment.”
The service regularly receives feedback on how it enhances the paediatric patient experience and the team is looking ahead to secure ongoing support to continue this provision long-term.
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