Creating Connection Through Art and Music at St John’s Hospice

At St John’s Hospice, moments of creativity can become moments of comfort, connection and joy. Thanks to the generous support of donors and our partnership with City of London Sinfonia, patients attending the Wellbeing Centre are able to take part in uplifting art and music therapeutic sessions that bring people together in extraordinary ways.

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These sessions combine live improvised music with collaborative artmaking, creating a welcoming space where patients can relax, express themselves and connect with others. Music fills the room while participants paint, draw, sing along or simply listen, with every session shaped by the people taking part in it that day. The focus is not on artistic ability, but on creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels included.

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For many patients, these sessions provide a valuable opportunity to step away from the challenges of their illness and enjoy a meaningful social connection. One of our patients, Mary, described the sessions as “out of this world,” adding: “The music was fantastic! The musicians are quite incredible.” Another participant shared how the sessions helped her “relax with art” and enjoy “getting out of the house and meeting people.”

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‍The impact is felt not only by patients, but by the musicians delivering the sessions, too. Caroline from City of London Sinfonia described the workshops as a space where “nobody’s judging anybody else’s sounds” and where people can simply create together. Reflecting on the sessions, she shared: “We’re just doing this together and seeing where it goes,” highlighting the sense of openness, connection and joy that develops through the shared experience of music and art.

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Importantly, these sessions are only possible because of generous donations from supporters who believe in the power of creativity and compassionate care. Partnerships like this show the incredible difference philanthropy can make within the hospice walls, transforming ordinary moments into meaningful experiences.

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If you would like to support sessions like these and help, bring creativity, connection and comfort to patients at St John’s Hospice, you can learn more about partnering with us by visiting https://www.stjohnshospice.org.uk/get-involved/partner-with-us. Whether you are passionate about music, art or another area of wellbeing, your support could help make meaningful experiences like these possible for patients and their loved ones.