North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre

18/06/2026

We had a wonderful Sunshine Singers yesterday! Here's some photos taken during yesterday's session capturing the joy, friendship, and musical magic that make this group so special.

Music is a powerful tool that can stimulate areas of the brain linked to emotional and autobiographical memories. Through familiar songs, singing, and musical activities, participants are encouraged to reconnect with cherished memories, express emotions, and enjoy meaningful social interaction.

Our dementia-friendly Sunshine Singers group has been meeting every Wednesday morning at our centre in Hovingham since September 2023. What started with just 6 participants has grown into a thriving group, with over 20 members attending at its busiest sessions. We are delighted to see the group continue to grow and are always excited to welcome new members.

Each session begins with tea, coffee, cake, and friendly conversation before we come together to make music. While singing remains at the heart of the group, we also enjoy a variety of musical activities designed to support wellbeing, connection, and enjoyment.

Sunshine Singers takes place every Wednesday at The North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre in Hovingham with singing from 11am to 12pm but participants are welcome to join use from 10:30 for tea and cake.

17/06/2026

17/06/2026

We would like to say a huge thank you to Singing with Miss Nicky Young Crescendos, Harmonise and Malton School Chamber Choir and everyone involved with the Lights Camera, Sing concert for choosing us as a charity to support!

16/06/2026

See the difference music therapy can make.

Our YouTube channel is packed with inspiring videos that showcase the life-changing work we do and the impact music therapy has on the people we support.

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel, watch our latest videos, and help us spread awareness of the power of music therapy to change lives.

Every subscriber helps us reach more people and share more stories of hope, connection, and transformation.

Thank you for your support!

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

10/06/2026

The Growing Impact of Music Therapy in Care Homes.

For older adults living with dementia, music can unlock memories, support communication, reduce anxiety, and create meaningful moments of connection. It can help people reconnect with who they are, strengthen relationships with those around them, and improve quality of life in ways that extend far beyond a therapy session.

As our care home programme continues to grow, we remain committed to developing innovative and evidence-informed approaches that support both residents and those who care for them.

27/05/2026

A Wonderful Community Plant Sale in Memory of Caroline Hall

On Saturday 16th May 2026, Sand Hutton & Claxton Village Hall was filled with colour, community spirit and generosity as friends, volunteers and visitors came together for a special plant sale held in memory of Caroline Hall.

The event, organised by the Sand Hutton & Claxton Village Hall Committee, welcomed visitors throughout the day between 10am and 3pm and featured an incredible range of donated plants, gardening items, and refreshments. Thanks to the remarkable efforts of volunteers from the local community, Caroline’s choirs and North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre, the day was a huge success.

We are incredibly grateful to the Sand Hutton & Claxton Village Hall Committee for kindly donating half of the proceeds from this glorious plant fair to North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre.

Together, the event raised an amazing total of over £3,000 to split between the NYMTC and the village hall.

Special thanks go to the wonderful team of volunteers, led by the amazing Fiona Davis, who spent many hours sorting, labelling and organising well over 2,000 donated plants, helping with refreshments and publicising the event. Their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication made the day such a memorable occasion.

The sale was held in memory of Caroline Hall, who for many years served as Chair of North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre and was deeply involved in the Sand Hutton community where she lived. Caroline was a passionate gardener and plants woman who also volunteered at the Yorkshire Arboretum, making this event a particularly fitting tribute to her life, interests, and legacy.

Thank you to everyone who donated plants, volunteered their time, attended the event, and supported both Caroline’s memory and the work of North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre. Your generosity and community spirit are truly appreciated.

26/05/2026

We hope you've all had a fantastic bank holiday weekend. We are looking forward to our weekly sunshine singers session here at The North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre in Hovingham.

Sunshine Singers - Dementia Friendly Singing Group

Wednesdays:
Refreshments: 10:30am
Music: 11:00am – 12:00pm

Music is a powerful tool to stimulate parts of the brain linked to our emotional and autobiographical memory. In these sessions the group facilitator will sing and play familiar songs encouraging participants to join in and share memories and emotions.

Sunshine Singers is our dementia-friendly group that meets every Wednesday morning at our centre in Hovingham. Since its establishment in September 2023, the...

22/05/2026

Sunshine Singers is our dementia-friendly group that meets every
Wednesday morning at our centre in Hovingham. Since its
establishment in September 2023, the group has grown significantly,
starting with 6 participants in the first session and now attracting over
20 members at its peak. We are always excited to welcome new
members to join us! The session begins with a warm gathering over
tea, coffee, cake, and friendly conversations before we come together
to make music. While initially focused on singing, the group has
expanded to include various musical activities aimed at achieving
specific outcomes.