We’ve been working with people with dementia at Arundel Community Hospital in West Sussex as part of a research study with Sussex Community NHS Trust. A few of the many beautiful moments of joy and connection shared between musicians, patients, families and nursing staff are captured here in this short film commissioned by Sussex Community Foundation NHS Trust and made by West Creative.

The study investigates how live music making helps people with dementia and their families feel less anxious and better connected during their hospital stay. Are musicians a valuable resource for busy hospital wards? Does making music help hospital staff to engage in meaningful ways with their patients? We’ll be sharing the findings later this year.

You can watch the film here