We are delighted to announce the release of our new short film, Music at the Heart of Health, created by filmmaker Dan Jay Stockmann and filmed at The Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
For over a decade, Wishing Well has been bringing live music-making to the heart of healthcare settings, working with NHS trusts across Sussex and Surrey. Since 2013, our award-winning work has brought joy to the lives of thousands of patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Our interactive music-making sessions provide a moment for patients to reconnect with joy, emotion, and their sense of self. Whether it’s soothing a premature baby and their family, or sparking memories for an older adult living with dementia. In the film, our CEO, Jo White, reflects:
Hospitals can sound quite stark and they can also be full of noises that are stressful. I sort of see us as part of a network of things that can support people’s mental health and wellbeing and make life a little bit more joyful.
There is incredible potential for the arts in healthcare settings. We hope this film inspires more people to recognise the vital role of music in healthcare settings and to join us in ensuring this work continues.
Honestly, probably the biggest challenge is being a small arts organisation that relies on funding from trusts and foundations and donations from the public and keeping these projects going. We are running 300 music-making sessions every year. The need is so, so high, but the financial challenges are quite real.
If this film resonates with you and you wish to help us bring live music-making to more patients and families, you can donate here.