Drum roll, please!
Customers at popular charity shops across the region have the chance to band together and make a difference to families being supported by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The charity is launching a new six-week retail donation campaign today with the aim of funding all-important music therapy sessions.
It is being rolled out in EACH’s 52 shops across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, and, when paying at the till, customers will have the option to donate an extra 25p. The target is to raise £10,000 – enough to pay for a session of music therapy every week for a year.
“Music therapy allows children to express thoughts and feelings they may find difficult to put into words,” said EACH Music Therapist Katherine Walters.
“One of the best things is that it often champions and celebrates what they can do, rather than what they can’t.
“Parents are always told of the barriers their children face, but our work is based on the understanding all human beings have an innate response to music, regardless of any illness, disability or emotional state. Even the smallest sound can represent a meaningful connection and facilitate emotional expression.”
Music therapy helps children and family members express themselves in a non-judgemental space, where sounds and music-making are the primary form of communication. There are therapeutic aims, which can also include working towards a child’s developmental goals, in a fun, musical way.
“Often parents tell us they enjoy the sessions with their child and can experience communicating with them in a whole new way, where words are simply not required,” added Katherine.
“We’re passionate about our work and the difference it makes, which is why we’re thrilled about this new campaign.
“Our goal is to hit the £10,000-mark, which effectively means each of our shops raising £32 a week – enough to pay for a session of music therapy every week for 12 months.
“Of course, there’s no obligation to donate and customers certainly don’t have to give anything extra when they pay for their items.
“However, just 25p would help us greatly, when added together with money raised across the region.
“It’s an exciting prospect that will undoubtedly make a tangible difference to the children and families receiving our care and support.”
EACH has dedicated music therapists at each of its hospices – at Milton, near Cambridge, The Nook, near Norwich, and The Treehouse, in Ipswich.
They use music to reach out and support both children and adult family members, individually and within groups. To find out more, head here.
To check the location of your nearest EACH shop, click here.
