AS PART of Creativity and Wellbeing Week (May 19 – 25), UK charity Music in Hospitals & Care is celebrating the vital role that creativity plays in supporting patient health and wellbeing. Throughout the week, the charity is highlighting how live music and other art forms can transform patient experiences across healthcare settings.
The charity’s Live Music and Visual Art Pilot project at Ty Llidiard is a recent arts-based initiative combining live music and visual art which has brought a sense of calm, connection, and empowerment to young patients. The pilot, funded by the Arts Council of Wales, was designed to support young patients who may struggle with traditional forms of engagement, dealing with issues such as social anxiety or communication difficulties.
Central to the project’s success was its focus on flexibility, inclusivity, and patient voice. Young people were invited to shape their own experience by choosing the music, contributing to session plans, and engaging at their own pace. This participatory approach helped build a sense of empowerment and ownership, especially among those who might otherwise struggle with verbal or social interaction.
Chloe Baker, Music in Hospitals & Care Live Music Coordinator Wales explains: “It was brilliant to see how supportive the musicians and artists were of one another, constantly reflecting on what worked, exploring new themes, and adapting the sessions.
“That’s the joy of a long-term project – having time to listen, adjust, and grow together. I could visibly see a difference in the atmosphere and among everyone involved, it felt like a true celebration of shared creativity, growth, and connection.”
The pilot project created a safe and inclusive space for self-expression without the pressure to speak or conform. It also gave young people a meaningful chance to engage with music and visual art in a way that supported their wellbeing and helped strengthen relationships – not just with staff, but with each other. The environment was key, it moved out of the classroom and into open, welcoming spaces like the garden during spring and summer, which made sessions feel more relaxed and less clinical.
The combined use of live music and visual art offered young patients a calming and inclusive experience that helped to distract them from an often busy and frenetic ward environment. It created space for relaxation, self-expression, and non-verbal engagement, which is especially valuable for those with social anxiety or communication difficulties.
Staff observed that the creative sessions strengthened relationships on the ward, not only between staff and patients, but also among the patients themselves. By equipping staff with the tools and resources to support creative engagement, the project points to a new way forward in using live music and visual arts to support young people’s mental health.
