Music therapist, Fraser Simpson, won the award on behalf of Nordoff Robbins for his work with our partners, Mountbatten Hospice. Mountbatten delivers hospice and end of life services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, supporting up to 3,000 people on any one day within their own homes, as well as in the hospices buildings.

Fraser’s online work at Mountbatten Hospice during the pandemic, and in particular a song-writing/recording project with Mountbatten Young Adults group and the combined Community Choirs of Mountbatten Isle of Wight and Mountbatten Hampshire, was one of 17 shortlisted projects to be nominated for this prestigious award.

Upon accepting the award, Fraser said:

“Thank you for this award, which I am overwhelmed to receive on behalf of Nordoff Robbins, for delivering a music therapy service at Mountbatten Hospices Isle of Wight and Southampton throughout the pandemic.

For many months, Mountbatten’s very active psycho-social programme (open to the entire local community) and day, self-help and rehabilitation services had to be delivered very differently – with many of these services being delivered virtually though online services and programmes. The music therapy service moved online, offering relief from the social isolation experienced by so many. Music did its magical work of connecting, uplifting, enlivening and enabling, despite the limitations of online working.”

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