North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre calls on community, businesses and philanthropists to help secure vital services for children, adults and older people who rely on music as their voice.

North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre (NYMTC), a longestablished local charity, has today launched an urgent £100,000 appeal to safeguard and expand its specialist music therapy services through 2026 and 2027.

Every week, NYMTC supports children with complex special educational needs, adults with learning disabilities or mental health challenges, and older people living with dementia across North Yorkshire. For many of those individuals, traditional talking therapies are not accessible. Music therapy provides a powerful alternative — enabling communication, emotional expression, confidence and connection where words alone are not enough.

Last year alone, the charity delivered over 850 music therapy sessions, supporting more than 250 people in special schools, care homes, supportedliving settings and community hubs, as well as at its centre in Hovingham. Demand for services is rising sharply, particularly in rural areas where access to specialist support is limited and statutory services are under increasing pressure.

Giving Voice Where Words Fall Short

One of the children supported by NYMTC is Lucas, a sevenyearold born blind with additional learning needs. When Lucas first began music therapy, he was withdrawn and struggled to communicate. Through weekly sessions, he began responding to rhythm and melody — and then started singing words, progressing to phrases and initiating interactions with staff and classmates. Teachers described his progress as “quite stunning”, highlighting a transformation in communication, confidence and joy.

Across NYMTC’s work in special schools:
100% of pupils showed improved communication
100% improved social interaction
90% showed improved emotional wellbeing

Teachers consistently report that children are calmer, more regulated and better able to engage in learning after music therapy sessions.

Supporting Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Dementia Care

Beyond schools, NYMTC’s music therapy programmes support adults facing anxiety, isolation and mental illhealth, as well as people living with dementia and their carers. In community and carehome settings, music therapy helps unlock memory, identity and emotional connection, reducing distress and improving quality of life.

Participants frequently describe leaving sessions feeling “relaxed and happy”, “more confident”, or “part of something again”. Carers and staff report improved engagement, stronger relationships and calmer environments.

Why the £100,000 Appeal Matters Now

The £100,000 appeal has been launched in response to rising demand, increasing costs and ongoing funding pressures affecting the voluntary sector. Funds raised will be used to:
Maintain and strengthen NYMTC’s core team of specialist music therapists
Expand sessions in special schools, care homes and community hubs
Provide subsidised therapy through the charity’s Music, My Voice fund, ensuring organisations and families are not turned away due to cost
Secure stability for the charity at a time of unprecedented need
How to Support the Appeal

The charity is appealing to individuals, local businesses, trusts and philanthropists to give generously. Donations can be made by cheque, bank transfer or online, and eligible donations can be boosted by 25% through Gift Aid.

Further information about the appeal, the charity’s work and its impact is available at www.music-therapy.org.uk.

North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre is a registered charity (702533) established in 1989.