Accessibility Menu
Color overlay

Help Us Bring Joy to Communities This Christmas

Our community groups bring people together through the shared joy of music, helping people connect, build confidence, and feel less alone.

This Christmas, we’re asking for your help to make sure these groups can keep running, so that everyone has access to a welcoming, inclusive space filled with laughter, connection and song.

Turning Christmas music into community joy

From festive tunes in the shops to carols on the radio, music is everywhere at this time of year.

We’re inviting you to join in the fun,  every time you hum, sing or hear a Christmas song, make a small donation to Chiltern to help keep our community groups running.

How many times have you heard Jingle Bells this week? Or Wham's Last Christmas?

Give £1 for every time you’ve heard it!

Why your support matters

Our community group members pay a small contribution to attend, but this doesn’t cover the full cost of running the groups.

Behind each session are the hidden costs; room hire, instruments, travel, and the time our practitioners give to plan and support group members.

Your donation helps to bridge this gap, ensuring our groups can continue to bring joy, connection and belonging to communities across the region.

Finding Joy Through Song: Bob’s Story

In a quiet village just outside of Bath, our Sing to Beat Parkinson’s group meets every week to share music, laughter, and connection. Around a dozen members, along with their carers and family, come together to sing, stretch, and support one another in a warm, welcoming space.

Each session begins with a chat over tea, creating a sense of community in what can often feel like an isolating experience. Led by Rose, one of our Neurologic Music Therapists, the group sings, plays instruments, and takes on musical games and tongue twisters to keep minds and bodies active.

Among the regulars are Bob and his wife, Anne, who have been part of the group since it first began. Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few years ago and had lost confidence in many of the activities he used to enjoy, until he found this group. Anne shared:

“When we heard about Sing to Beat Parkinson’s, I wasn’t sure how Bob would react, but by the end of that first session he was more alert, cheerful and positive. That was the start of our weekly afternoon out! A bit of exercise, uplifting singing, lots of laughter and good company. We both gain a lot!”

Bob now joins in every week, smiling through each song and game. His determination and joy inspire everyone around him — showing exactly what these community groups make possible.

Your donation helps us keep groups like this running, ensuring that people like Bob and Anne continue to find friendship, belonging and joy through music.

Related news articles

Different Groups for Different People

Introducing our new campaign: Chiltern Cares Community

Read more

Finding Joy Through Song: Bob's Story with Sing to Beat Parkinson's

Sing to Beat Parkinson’s is a weekly music therapy group in Bath which helps people with Parkinson’s and their carers find joy and connection through song. For Bob and his wife Anne, the group has become a cherished part of their routine, offering support and uplifting moments.

Read more

Shining a Spotlight on our Community Music Groups

At Chiltern Music Therapy, we believe in the transformative power of music. Our community music groups provide a welcoming space for everyone to experience the joy of making music together. Led by our dedicated community musicians, our groups ensure that everyone is valued and included.

Read more

Introducing 'Safe in Sound' - group music therapy sessions for people with Dementia with guest musicians from the English Sinfonia

Chiltern Music Therapy is excited to introduce 'Safe in Sound,' a research-based collaboration between Chiltern Music Therapy and The English Sinfonia, aimed at enriching the lives of those with dementia in Chesham and the surrounding area.

Read more