Creative Health & Wellbeing
Music to connect, uplift, and support wellbeing at every age
We create projects, groups and events that use the power of music to support people’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing at every stage of life.
From music-making in care homes and dementia-friendly sessions, to music and movement activities that support mental health, we create inclusive opportunities for connection, expression, and joy.
Our programmes reduce loneliness, promote confidence, and build a sense of belonging – especially for those most at risk of isolation. Guided by the belief that music transforms lives, we work alongside communities to improve health and wellbeing through creativity, compassion, and the shared experience of making music together.
I think it’s incredible – it feels as though you could be there. I didn’t realise it was going to be so emotional.
Care Home resident, livestreamed Care Homes Concert with BSO
The impact we make
Enhancing wellbeing through music
Our Music Club is a weekly group that sits within our Creative Health & Wellbeing strand and brings together people with dementia to connect through music.
Participants of Our Music Club often join with challenges related to dementia, including mood swings and social withdrawal. Through engaging sessions, many experience a positive shift, finding joy in familiar faces, laughter in music-making, and a renewed sense of connection with those around them.
Families and facilitators frequently observe improvements in participants’ wellbeing, with the club providing a welcoming space where they feel valued and engaged.
Our Music Club has become a place of happiness and shared musical experiences for many, offering a vital sense of community and emotional support.
A 2024 evaluation using ONS4 wellbeing scales showed:
- 46% of participants reported increased happiness
- Overall happiness scores rose by an average of 1 point
- 62% of participants reported decreased anxiety
- Overall anxiety scores dropped by an average of 2 points
For many, Our Music Club is the highlight of their week, helping them build community, feel valued, and experience moments of pure joy through the power of music.
Jane’s story
Jane’s story
Jane is an older woman with dementia. For month’s Jane suffered from fluctuating moods. Being a member of Our Music Club allowed her to feel happy, relaxed, joyful and at peace – it gave her back her confidence and helped her connect with loved ones.
Projects in this area
Events, activities and workshops to improve physical and mental wellbeing
Care Home Concerts
Care Home Concerts
Annually
Bringing live orchestral music to older people to boost connection and community.
Our Music Club
Our Music Club
Weekly
A music-making club bringing together people with dementia to enhance their lives and improve their wellbeing.
Bloom
Bloom
This is a past project
From 2022 – 2023 this music group gave parents experiencing mental health difficulties and the opportunity to make music, listen and relax with their babies.
Contact us
Are you a member of a community group or local grassroots organisation, interested in collaborating, or looking for a space to host your activity?
Please get in touch with our Community team to find out more about how you can work with us.
Email community@bristolbeacon.org
Care Experienced Young People
Care Experienced Young People
An award-winning programme empowering care-experienced young people and their carers through transformative music-making.
Festivals & Events
Festivals & Events
Mass participation, intergenerational projects, and community music-making for all of Bristol’s 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.