Breathe Music at Evelina London Children's Hospital - Breathe
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Breathe Music at Evelina London Children’s Hospital

Our programme at Evelina London Children’s Hospital brings the healing power of music directly to children, families and NHS staff.

Resident Musicians

Collaborating closely with the hospital’s own play specialists, our musicians deliver spontaneous, interactive performances across various hospital settings, including wards, clinics, and waiting areas. Each session is tailored to the needs and preferences of the individuals, ensuring a personalised and meaningful experience.

Whether it’s a lullaby to soothe a newborn, an upbeat tune to uplift a teenager, or a ballad to bring respite and joy to hospital staff, our musicians adapt their repertoire to create a supportive and engaging environment.

Contact: [email protected]

Enriching the clinical atmosphere of a hospital unit with appropriate live music has a very powerful, and unifying effect on patients, staff, visitors and performers alike. It can temporarily take everyone out of the stress that is implicit to the environment and help create a positive memory in an otherwise stressful and sometimes traumatic experience.
Mark Levin, Breathe Musician

Media

Programme Manager Sioned and Breathe Musician Beth at Evelina Children's Hospital London.
Breathe Musician Ahmed playing at bedside.

Songwriting sessions

As well as working with musicians who play a wide range of instruments including the harp, guitar, violin and percussion, we also bring collaborative songwriting sessions to children, young people and families across the hospital. Working on wards, at bedsides, beside incubators and family rooms, our musicians support patients and their families to create and develop short songs that reflect their interests and emotions.

As participants share their ideas, feelings, sounds and stories, Breathe musicians craft lyrics and melodies that capture these meaningful moments, transforming them into unique songs that celebrate hope, experiences and identity, and support them during what can be a challenging and emotional time.

This work has been generously funded by a private individual. If you’d like to know more about how you can sponsor and support Breathe’s work, please email [email protected]

Having the chance to work with the songwriter and tell their story through music has brought joy and a way to heal that isn't possible through any of the other activities we offer.
Neonatal staff member, Evelina Children's Hospital

Honouring our legacy at Guy’s and St Thomas’

We’re proud to say that for nearly two decades, our Resident Musicians programme brought live music to over 100 locations across Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. From daily ward visits to surprise pop-up performances, our musicians uplifted and calmed spaces, creating meaningful and memorable encounters.

While support from our long standing funder, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, for these programmes concluded at the end of 2024, the impact of our work at Guy’s and St Thomas’ continues to resonate. We are deeply grateful to our musicians, artists, staff, and supporters for their dedication and passion over the years. The memories of shared laughter, unexpected performances, and the many positive health outcomes witnessed will stay with us forever.

We’re so delighted to continue this vital work at the Evelina.