nordoff robbins annual review 2015
DESCRIPTION
Introduced by Ed Buckley, a Nordoff Robbins beneficiary and Ambassador, our annual review reports on the progress that we made in 2015. Last year we delivered over 19,000 music therapy sessions through our own centres and by working in partnership with 95 organisations including schools, care homes and hospitals. 4,453 people accessed our services, many of them for long-term support. Ed’s story is a great example of how life-changing music therapy can be. Hit by a speeding taxi he was hospitalised for months and we worked alongside other specialists to put his life back together. As Ed says, ‘I arrived in hospital unconscious but walked out singing.’TRANSCRIPT
Nordoff Robbins Annual Review 2015 32
We have songs that make us feel happy or move us to tears; songs that make us dance and help us through tough times. But for people like me, music is life-changing.
We never know what’s round the corner. In my case it was a speeding taxi and in that few seconds my life was changed forever.
Music was always a big part of my life. But after my accident, it also played a big part in my recovery. I was lucky to end up in a hospital that had a Nordoff Robbins music therapist and Jessica, along with the other specialists, helped me put my life back together. I arrived in hospital unconscious and walked out singing.
I’m now back at university, living in a house with five other lads, and have joined the rowing club.
There are many thousands of vulnerable children and adults for whom music could provide a vital lifeline; and as an Ambassador for Nordoff Robbins I’m proud that they are expanding their services across the UK* to meet this need.
Nordoff Robbins therapists do the most amazing work. And yet despite the vital service that it offers, the charity receives no government funding at all. That is why people like you who are reading these words are so important. It’s your time, effort and donations that make it happen.
Ed Buckley Nordoff Robbins Ambassador
*Recognising service delivery in Scotland is delivered through our sister organisation Nordoff Robbins Scotland.
“ Your support changed MY Life and wiLL continue to change the Lives of so ManY others”
Nordoff Robbins Annual Review 2015 54
Last year we delivered over 19,000 music therapy sessions through our own centres and by working in partnership with 95 organisations including schools, care homes and hospitals.
4,453 people accessed our services – many of them for long-term support. And through our funding of Nordoff Robbins Scotland we provided more than 1,000 hours of music therapy.
As a charity we are there for people when and for as long as they need us, offering a high-quality service that has been developed over 40 years.
In 2015 we evaluated the impact of our work by surveying 120 direct beneficiaries, parents and staff across a wide range of our services.
Of the 50 direct beneficiaries surveyed:
Nordoff Robbins is the largest independent music therapy charity in the UK*, dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable and isolated people.
We support thousands of people through our own centres and by working in partnership with a wide range of organisations including care homes, schools and hospitals.
When delivered by a trained practitioner, music therapy can be used to support people living with a wide range of needs. It can help a child with autism to communicate, reduce anxiety for those living with dementia or provide comfort and celebrate the life of someone facing terminal illness.
89%said that music therapy had provided a positive or creative experience
87%said that music therapy had enhanced their quality of life
86%said that music therapy had enabled them to develop social skills and interaction
*Recognising service delivery in Scotland is delivered through our sister organisation Nordoff Robbins Scotland.
and it had a huge impact on my life. Without Nordoff Robbins I would probably still be struggling every day.”
Elizabeth
“when words faiL Me, Music speaks
Music therapY can be Life-changing for so ManY peopLe
Nordoff Robbins Annual Review 2015 76
Claudia was born prematurely and totally silent. The special care unit diagnosed only a windpipe problem, but Claudia was in constant pain – she screamed all day, barely able to feed. She didn’t reach any milestones; she couldn’t babble or crawl, couldn’t sit up until 16 months and couldn’t walk until she was four. She had complete sensory overload, which was exhausting.
When a national study of developmental disorders finally diagnosed her with a very rare chromosomal disorder we were determined to get her the help she needed.
We knew that music calmed Claudia and my mother in law suggested I contact Nordoff Robbins. One of the most defining moments of our lives was our first visit there.
Without me needing to explain, the therapist Nick opened the door showing Claudia a wonderful grand piano. She marched straight up to it and played several keys,
which Nick mimicked on another piano. Claudia was completely mesmerised. I started crying, a huge weight lifted as I realised this is exactly what she needed; we had finally found something which would bring happiness for our little girl.
One year on Claudia plays and makes vocalisations, I can now communicate with her; she nods yes if I say ‘let’s go and see Nick’ and shakes excitedly. She recently even attempted her first word! She has incredible rhythm too and now moves her body to music.
Through Nordoff Robbins, Claudia is living her life to the fullest. Music has finally given her world some meaning.
Gabriella, Claudia’s mum
“cLaudia is Living her Life to the fuLLest”I can’t imagine a world without music therapy. For my daughter Claudia, music has brought her to life.
Nordoff Robbins Annual Review 2015 98
education & researchEducation and research play a vital role in the work that we do. We are committed to evaluating and improving our services and proud to train the music therapists of tomorrow.
Our Masters of Music Therapy (MMT) course is internationally renowned and competition for places remains fierce. By training our own music therapists we can guarantee a high-quality service and provide ongoing clinical support. These are just some of the things that set us apart from other music therapy providers.
Our research continues to set the standard for music therapy internationally. The conferences we host, the publications we deliver – they all inform our own practice and the work of others in the sector. The end result is that our thousands of beneficiaries are better supported.
And that includes tutors, fellow students, but most of all the people that I work with. All of these people challenge and inspire me, and ask that I do the same to them in return.”
Masters in Music Therapy student
“i’ve Met soMe of the Most aMazing peopLe i wiLL ever Meet.
Our dementia research project found that music therapy helps to transform the lives of those diagnosed with dementia and improves resident-carer relationships. And our work with leading care home provider, Barchester Healthcare, found that music therapy meets many of the objectives set out in the UK Dementia Strategy. 17
publications37presentations, external and teaching resources
22music therapy projects
We have contributed to:
13new fully-qualified Nordoff Robbins music therapists graduated from our Masters of Music Therapy (MMT) Programme in Manchester. Plus, our first student graduated from our PhD programme and published ‘A Matrix for Music Therapy Practice’.
We piloted our first graduate employment scheme, using a generous BRIT Trust donation to fund seven, three-day-a-week placements.
The second Nordoff Robbins Plus conference brought together leading researchers and academics to discuss the impact of music therapy.
Nordoff Robbins Annual Review 2015 1110
“without Music therapY, i wouLd be Lost”
Traumatic circumstances in my life have affected me very badly in lots of ways. As a result I suffer from severe depression and anxiety which means I need help with certain things in life, and support with managing people and forming new relationships.
I have always liked music, and one day my key worker told me about Nordoff Robbins. The idea of making music with someone really appealed to me. So in 2013 I made my first visit to Nordoff Robbins and I still remember the very good feeling I got when I arrived; it was calm and friendly.
I attended music therapy once a week before progressing onto specialist piano lessons, which I still take to this day. I am also part of a ‘Jam Band’ which meets once a week. Music therapy has helped me so much, I feel calmer and I am happier for doing it. When I am playing, a sense of peace comes over me, especially if I get a piece right. I like the challenge of learning new musical things and I even think that if life had been different for me I would have taught music or been a musician.
Without music therapy, I would be lost. Thank you so very much to Nordoff Robbins.
Doreen
Music therapy has heightened and broadened my perceptions of what music can achieve and it makes me feel warm and comforted. The most important thing to me about music therapy is that I am able to express myself.
Nordoff Robbins Annual Review 2015 1312
Trusts and foundationsIn 2015 we received donations from 24 charitable trusts and foundations which included a £410,000 donation from the BRIT Trust. £60,000 of the BRIT Trust donation was used to fund the placement of our graduates with partner organisations in the North West of England.
Events Our fundraising events continued to generate significant income in 2015 with the 02 Silver Clef Awards raising a record £790,000. A further £1.2 million was generated through our other events and key partnership events – the Music Industry Trust Awards, Football Extravaganza and Rugby Dinner.
Our inspirational fundraisers Many donors supported our work through generous gifts in 2015, with one–off donations and regular contributions totalling £194,000. 118 people raised £39,000 as part of Hero Challenge and the Truant’s Mexico bike ride raised over £189,000. Supporters from across the country hosted 95 events in support of Nordoff Robbins.
A musical legacyMusic touches all of our lives and in 2015 we were honoured to receive over £104,000 from people leaving a gift to us in their will or donating in memory of loved ones they had lost.
Support from companiesCorporate fundraising was a key focus for us last year. Across charity of the year partners, cause-related marketing, corporate donations and in-kind support we generated over £128,000.
in 2015, we raised an incredibLe £4.25 MiLLion which wiLL fund the Life-changing support that we provide As a charity that receives no government funding, we are reliant on the time, energy and generosity of our supporters. From the companies and trusts that fund us, to the people who run marathons and put on events. Every penny counts and we are grateful for it.
Join our team Our life-changing work is dependent on your support and we have lots of ways for you to get involved. From bike rides and marathons to organising your own fundraising activity – the choice is yours. Our dedicated fundraising team is ready to support you every step of the way.
Music drives everything that both organisations do and the charity holds a special place in our heart – as is the case across the music industry.
Janie Orr, Chief Executive, EMI Music Sound Foundation and head of the Universal Music charity office
“ “
Photograph: Frank Noon
Nordoff Robbins Annual Review 2015 1514
Music therapy gives Flynn the opportunity to learn, develop and have a ‘normal’ experience. He is free to express himself and create his own musical language, which for him is completely invaluable.
connection between Flynn and his therapist, Jo. Now nearly two years on Flynn continues to come weekly for sessions with her and it makes him so happy.
Music therapy helps Flynn immensely; from being a little boy who found noise and music so difficult, he now loves taking part in sessions. Flynn has really found his voice in music and has even begun to use his imagination to make up songs, something which he found so difficult before.
Flynn feels confident to explore and achieve which has really improved his learning, cognitive and memory skills – he now has
a real sense of who he is and what he can accomplish. The sessions also help him manage his emotions; if he ever arrives anxious or tired, he always leaves happy, relaxed and calm.
Natasha, Flynn’s mum
Flynn has dystonic four-limb cerebral palsy. Born ten weeks prematurely he has significant physical and cognitive impairments meaning he can’t walk or sit up and uses a wheelchair. Flynn also has a sensitivity to certain noises and smells, and becomes very anxious or excited in certain situations.
A friend told us about Nordoff Robbins and we realised that music therapy could be perfect for him.
Our first visit to Nordoff Robbins was greeted with a warm welcome; the staff were so friendly and I saw this amazing
“fLYnn has reaLLY found his voice in Music”
Nordoff Robbins Annual Review 2015 1716
Corporate partners, supporters and sponsorsAEG LiveAmerican ExpressArsenal FC BarclaysBerry Bros and RuddBGC Charity DayBMIBox NationBPIBritannia RowCAACouttsCrystal Palace FCEagle RockFirebrandGlobal MerchandisingHargreave Hale Hilco CapitalHMVIngenious MediaInvestecJack Daniel’sJaguarJohn Henry’sLive Nation MCDModest Management
Music & Sound AwardsMusic WeekO2PaperchasePhantom Music Management PPLPRG XL VideoRaymond WeilRecord of The DayRoyal Albert HallRuarkSheridansSJM ConcertsSoloSony Music Entertainment UKSpotifySycoTesco Ticketmaster UKUniversal MusicUTAV U LtdVevoVnetrixWarner MusicWear Your Music
Trusts and FoundationsAlbert Hunt TrustThe Band TrustBarbour FoundationThe BRIT TrustDalnair Charitable TrustD’Oyly Carte Charitable TrustElise Pilkington Charitable TrustForbes Charitable TrustGarfield Weston FoundationGeorge Cadbury FundGledswood Charitable TrustGolden Bottle TrustThe Headley TrustThe Mackintosh FoundationMirianog Trust Roger Vere FoundationSeventh Earl of Bradford’s 1981 Charitable TrustThe Staples TrustStewarts Law FoundationThomas Sivewright Catto Charitable SettlementMichael and Anna Wix Charitable Trust
We would like to thank our corporate partners, individual supporters, trusts and foundations whose generosity and involvement throughout 2015 has helped us to carry out our life-changing work.
incoMe & expenditureThe following financial information has been summarised from the charity’s annual report and accounts which can be viewed at www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk
Expenditure
Charitable activities £2,858,275
Fundraising events £1,176,266
Generating voluntary income £672,051
Other costs £34,750
Total £4,741,342
Income
Fundraising events £2,754,913
Voluntary income £1,625,682
Charitable activities £683,108
Investment income £233,646
Other income £8,966
Total £5,306,315
Expenditure
Charitable activities £2,858,275
Fundraising events £1,176,266
Generating voluntary income £672,051
Other costs £34,750
Total £4,741,342
Total expenditure:£4,741,342
Income
Fundraising events £2,754,913
Voluntary income £1,625,682
Charitable activities £683,108
Investment income £233,646
Other income £8,966
Total £5,306,315
Income
Fundraising events £2,754,913
Voluntary income £1,625,682
Charitable activities £683,108
Investment income £233,646
Other income £8,966
Total £5,306,315
Expenditure
Charitable activities £2,858,275
Fundraising events £1,176,266
Generating voluntary income £672,051
Other costs £34,750
Total £4,741,342
Total income:
£5,306,315
Crystal Palace FC has been delighted to work alongside Nordoff Robbins and help raise awareness for the tremendous work carried out by the Charity and their team in providing music therapy to local communities.
Phil Alexander, Chief Executive“ “
Nordoff Robbins Annual Review 2015 1918
Our new strategy is ambitious and rightly so. By 2020 we want to double the amount of people who we support, providing more services across the UK*. Music therapy can be of benefit to people with a range of disabling conditions and is also cost effective. We are confident that we can help policy makers and organisations deliver more for less on tight budgets.
Over the coming months we will launch a new centre in Newcastle and establish our first provision in Wales. We will also be expanding our services in London and the South East, Yorkshire and the North West. The need for our services is there and we are committed to meeting it.
Growth is important but we will also retain the quality of our service. We are proud to be recognised as leaders in the field of music therapy and will continue to offer first-class training and research to develop our work.
This year will bring many exciting things for Nordoff Robbins, not least our first national awareness day, Get Loud. As the ‘music industry’s charity of choice’ we are lucky to receive the support of many talented artists and we look forward to sharing their music with you.
We wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of our valued supporters – including our trustees, committee members, staff and funders. People from all walks of life volunteer their time to help us – from the very famous, to the parents of children who access our services. All of you are important to us and it is thanks to your time, energy and generosity that we are able to change lives through music.
Thank you.
Last year we celebrated 40 years of providing life-changing music to thousands of people like Ed, Claudia, Flynn and Doreen who you have met in this review.
Looking forward
David Munns Chair of Trustees
Julie Whelan Chief Executive
“our students reaLLY fLourish during Music therapY sessions”
*Recognising service delivery in Scotland is delivered through our sister organisation Nordoff Robbins Scotland.
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Phone: +44 (0)20 7267 4496
Email: [email protected]
www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk
Registered in England No. 1514616. Registered Charity No. 280960. Registered Office: 2 Lissenden Gardens, London NW5 1PQ