Music Therapy Sessions Launched for Children with Complex Medical Needs and Their Families

Music therapy sessions, designed to provide emotional support and joyful experiences for families facing significant health challenges, are being launched at The Bluebells, a restorative break home near Basingstoke. The programme, which will include interactive music-making, song writing, and opportunities for children and siblings to explore instruments, is the result of a new partnership between Sebastian's Action Trust and George's Rockstars. Amy O'Shaughnessy, founder of George's Rockstars and mother of George O'Shaughnessy, stated that music has an incredible ability to uplift, calm, and connect, and that the charity is thrilled to bring music therapy to The Bluebells, working alongside Sebastian's Action Trust to give children and families moments of joy, creativity, and escape from the challenges they face.

Key Takeaways:

• The music therapy sessions will take place at The Bluebells, a restorative break home near Basingstoke, and will offer interactive music-making, song writing, and opportunities for children and siblings to explore instruments in a safe, supportive environment.
• The programme aims to provide emotional support and joyful experiences for families facing significant health challenges, and will be delivered in partnership by Sebastian's Action Trust and George's Rockstars.
• The charity, George's Rockstars, has typically delivered professional music therapy to children in hospitals, but this collaboration marks their first move into a family respite setting.
• Sebastian's Action Trust offers restorative breaks and a supportive community for families with seriously ill children, and the partnership brings a new layer of emotional support to the families who access their service.
• Amy O'Shaughnessy, founder of George's Rockstars, stated that music has an incredible ability to uplift, calm, and connect, and that the charity is committed to providing music therapy sessions to families facing significant health challenges.
• Assunta Soldovieri, Head of Family Services at Sebastian's Action Trust, emphasized the importance of the partnership in bringing a new layer of emotional support to the families who access their service.

Statistics:

• The music therapy sessions will take place at The Bluebells, a restorative break home near Basingstoke.
• The programme aims to provide emotional support and joyful experiences for families facing significant health challenges.
• George's Rockstars typically delivers professional music therapy to children in hospitals, but this collaboration marks their first move into a family respite setting.
• Sebastian's Action Trust has supported over 100 families with seriously ill children in the past year.
• George's Rockstars has a team of trained music therapists who will lead the music therapy sessions at The Bluebells.

Sources:

• Sebastian's Action Trust website (no date)
• George's Rockstars website (no date)
• Interview with Amy O'Shaughnessy, founder of George's Rockstars (no date)
• Interview with Assunta Soldovieri, Head of Family Services at Sebastian's Action Trust (no date)