Mail A Musician intends to lift the spirits of local residents by bringing the joy of live music direct to the hearts and homes of our communities. This initiative, which we started during lockdown in 2020, enables the people of Bristol to send a unique gift of live music to others.
In May 2025, our musicians hit the road for a special pop-up performance for the beneficiaries of Jessie May, for Jessie May Day: a festival of family-fun with magic, games, food, music (and even a therapy goat!), in Winterbourne.
Started by a family, for families; Jessie May provides specialist nursing care, at home, for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. They support parents, siblings and wider family members in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire. Through life and death, bereavement, and grief, they are there for families for as long as they need – for weeks, months, and years.
Jessie May Day is fast becoming an annual event that brings together families supported by the charity to relax and connect in a safe and understanding space. It is a rare chance to step away from the routine of care and hospital visits and simply enjoy being together in a safe, inclusive environment where everyone understands.
Jessie May Day brought together an incredible group of performers and supporters who became part of our community for the day. That kind of connection doesn’t just happen – it takes real understanding, compassion, and a shared commitment to making a difference to the families we support.
Jessie May Staff Member
Talented Bristol Beacon musicians Naomi Hill (violinist) and Anna Gibson Hart (guitarist) performed a delightful set at the festival, for 50 families, with a sensitive balance of calming and uplifting music. There were also some really special interactive moments with the children and families getting involved; having a go at their own instruments and playing along with the musicians.
We spoke to staff at the charity to hear more about their Mail a Musician experience.
What did the Mail a Musician performance mean to you?
”The music provided by Naomi and Anna offered a subtle yet powerful backdrop to our event, instantly creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for the families that attended. They demonstrated a wonderful ability to read the room and adapt to their audience – encouraging children to join in, making eye contact, and even moving around the venue to ensure the music was accessible to everyone. It really was something very special.”
Do you feel that the Mail a Musician performance contributed to the wellbeing of your group?
”Definitely! Live music is something everyone can enjoy, regardless of ability. The music helped to create a fully inclusive environment; it wove its way through all the other activities we were offering and enabled our supported families to spend time together and for children to be children.”
It’s those little moments you witness between parents, children and siblings that really stay with you. This day is about making space for joy, whatever that looks like.”
Alice, Family Engagement Officer
Mail a Musician
Mail a Musician
Mail A Musician intends to lift the spirits of Bristol residents by bringing the joy of live music direct to the hearts and homes of our communities.
More community programmes
More community programmes
Our community programmes – Creative Health & Wellbeing, Care Experienced Young People, Music & Disability, Festivals & Events – bring people together through the power of music.
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