Imperial Health Charity

Imperial Health Charity funds projects that improve patient care and enhance the hospital experience for patients, families and staff within the five hospitals of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Our support enabled St Mary’s Hospital to provide creative activities to young patients that the NHS cannot fund.

During term time, young patients can take part in a wide range of creative activities delivered by visiting partner organisations and the hospital school team. However, this valuable provision previously operated on a reduced timetable during school holidays. With a grant from the Trust, the hospital was able to bridge that gap during the long summer holidays — bringing music, creativity and moments of joy to some of the youngest patients in their care.

St Mary’s hosted five musical workshops led by award-winning harpist Esther Beyer and vocalist Hannah Thomas. Across five two-hour sessions, 22 young people receiving care on the children’s ward took part, with a further 25 visitors, including six siblings joining in. Each workshop was adapted in real time to meet the access, communication and emotional needs of every participant. Families were invited to join their children, creating shared opportunities for expression, bonding and connection.

This interactive approach offered children a sense of ownership and freedom at a time when much of their hospital experience can feel beyond their control. Many became fully absorbed in the music—smiling, laughing and dancing—helping to transform the ward environment into a more vibrant and uplifting space.

“The sessions were targeted perfectly by the musicians to the age & personalities of the children involved. They were able to keep the sessions flowing with calm & ease as patients joined & left the session. It was equally accessible for the children who wished to try the harp or dance in the middle of the circle, as it was for those who sat at the back of the playroom with their parents. It was a pleasure to host the sessions & for the children & young people to enjoy the music through the summer weeks in hospital.”

Play Team Lead at St Mary’s Hospital