People attending Fair Havens recently took part in a live music session delivered by local charity T.I.M.E. — Together In Musical Expression — as part of Havens Hospices’ wellbeing programme.

Facilitators Rob and Marc from T.I.M.E. led the group through an hour of shared singing, instrument play and movement. Armed with tambourines and shakers, patients played along to a programme of much-loved songs — including What a Wonderful World, Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, Fly Me to the Moon as made famous by Frank Sinatra, songs by Elvis Presley, and Daydream Believer by The Monkees.

Musical trivia and sing-alongs engaged attendees throughout the session. The group also played along to Beside the Seaside using an ocean drum — a wide, shallow frame drum filled with small pellets that roll to create a wave-like sound — which was passed around for everyone to handle and play, gently supporting fine motor skills alongside the fun.

Music is known to ease anxiety, stimulate memory, encourage movement and help people feel more connected to those around them. For people who are living with an incurable condition, this kind of session forms a meaningful part of the person-centred care and support they receive from the local hospice.

Louise, who attended the session, reflected, “It was really good fun and made me feel happy. I don’t normally sing in front of other people, but it makes you feel good. I wanted to join in so others would feel comfortable too. It’s food for the soul — everyone should do this workshop.”

Geoff, who also took part in the session, said, “What I liked most was seeing a group of people come together, grow and relax over the course of the session. It gives you an outlet.”

T.I.M.E. was established to work with people of all ages and abilities — initially with those with special educational needs, and now reaching into dementia care and hospice settings across Essex. Its sessions require no musical experience or ability; they are designed simply to be inclusive, joyful and accessible to all.

Rob and Marc said, “Sessions at places like this are particularly special. A lot of people start off unsure, lacking confidence — but by the end, they’re singing along. It’s a complete turnaround, and it’s beautiful to watch. Music works on so many levels at once: fine motor skills, listening, memory, teamwork, and movement. We hope sessions like this show what’s possible when music is made truly accessible.”

The session was delivered through Fair Havens’ supportive therapies programme, which offers a range of complementary and wellbeing-focused activities alongside the clinical care provided at the hospice, to enhance the quality of life for the people they care for.

Sessions like this are made possible through the generosity of the local community.

Havens Hospices welcomes donations to its wellbeing programme to help make moments like these possible – https://www.havenshospices.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/.

Published 19th May 2026