This month marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Amy Winehouse and at Haven House we are reflecting on the impact Amy’s musical talent and generosity has had on our children and families. 

We are privileged to be supported by the Amy Winehouse Foundation, a charity set-up after the music icon’s passing, and which is inspired by Amy’s spirit, her love of children and the challenges she faced in her own life.

The Foundation has supported our music therapy service since 2014 and throughout the past seven years has donated an incredible £115,800 to support this vital service which is highly valued by hospice parents and carers. This funding has enabled more than 2000 music therapy sessions to be delivered to children with complex healthcare needs. 

Our vibrant and creative music room, named after the singing sensation, was built and funded by the Foundation and is a nurturing environment in which young children, their siblings and parents can enjoy music together. A colourful piece of tribute artwork of Amy, is displayed at the entrance to the room. This was created by Harry Luxton, a former Haven House service user

The music room holds many memories and poignant moments for our children, young people, their families and our staff. Parents often tell us how important their child's music therapy sessions are to them, as we focus on what children are able to do, rather than what they can't do.

 

We have a large selection of instruments, which children can use to explore sounds and create music. To see a child become engaged and smile as they interact with music in a one-to-one session is such a lovely experience, especially for the parents.

In 2019, the music room provided space for our teenage cancer group to gather – a support group made up of young people with cancer, and their siblings. They used their special bond to create a music single exploring their cancer journeys.  

Music therapy is based on the belief that we can all respond to and appreciate music, despite disability or illness. The Amy Winehouse Foundation has provided ongoing funding for music therapy for children attending the music room, but also for those children who are too ill to attend the hospice, by funding music therapy at home. 

Mum Annie said:

It’s been a really challenging year for us as a family particularly at the beginning of the year when we almost lost William. Coming to the music classes and meeting other mums has really helped me cope. It means so much to us and has really enriched William’s life – he loves music.”

The Foundation are champions of hospice care and we are so grateful for the amazing level of support they have provided to support our children and families. 

Find out more about our Music Therapy and how we support families.