Children to get music therapy at two hospitals

Children at two hospitals are set to benefit from music therapy delivered by a charity after receiving funding from the National Lottery.

Therapists from Thomas's Fund will operate on Tuesdays at Kettering and Northampton general hospitals.

Young patients will take part in singing, playing instruments, and listening to music.

Emma Fee from Northampton General Hospital said: "Thomas's Fund is such a fantastic service and we're so grateful that the National Lottery funds weekly music sessions on the children's wards."

The therapy will be offered on Skylark Ward and the neonatal intensive care unit in Kettering and with the play team on the Disney Ward in Northampton.

Thomas's Fund, based in Northamptonshire, has been delivering music therapy to children with life-limiting conditions since 2007.

It works with children who may be unable to attend school or engage in typical daily activities due to their health conditions.

The charity's therapists are ed with Health and Care Professions Council and provide a variety music-based therapies to manage anxiety, and build essential cognitive and social skills.

University Hospitals of Northamptonshire said the National Lottery had provided three years of funding to sustain the program.

Ms Fee, manager at Northampton's play team, said: "Music therapy helps our patients explore their emotions.

"It is particularly beneficial for our patients who are unable to vocalise their needs and emotions as they have the opportunity to express themselves through music."

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