Context

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice supports babies, children and young people with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions across North and Central London and Hertsmere. Its mission is to help children live life as fully as possible, offering holistic care through therapy, community outreach and family support. Music therapy plays a vital role in this care, helping children express themselves, process emotions and connect with loved ones. Traditionally delivered indoors, the hospice team sought to expand the experience - bringing the joy and therapeutic power of music into the natural world.

Challenge

Children and families at Noah’s Ark face complex emotional, social and medical challenges. The hospice wanted to create more flexible, sensory-friendly environments for therapy - spaces where children could feel empowered, soothed and creatively engaged. Moving music therapy outdoors offered a way to reduce sensory overload, encourage movement and connect with nature.

Solution

With the installation of Percussion Play’s outdoor musical instruments, Noah’s Ark transformed its approach to music therapy. Sessions now take place in the hospice’s gardens, playground and surrounding nature reserve. Children, siblings and parents are encouraged to explore sound freely - whether creating gentle, relaxing music to wind down after an emotional session, or joyfully striking the large chime bars to release energy.

“It’s lovely for us to be able to move the music outside into nature, for the children to make sound and experience fresh air at the same time,” says Allya Khammari, Music Therapist at Noah’s Ark. “The chime bars have been a real hit - they make such a beautiful and relaxing sound.”

Outcome

The outdoor instruments have enhanced the flexibility and creativity of Noah’s Ark’s music therapy sessions. They are now used in:

  • Bereavement groups, where siblings and families connect through shared music-making, using instruments as a safe, creative outlet for grief and remembrance.

  • Individual therapy, especially for younger children, who are drawn to the scale and sound of the instruments - allowing them to make bold, empowering sounds in a safe environment.

  • Sensory-sensitive sessions, where outdoor play reduces the impact of loud sounds in enclosed spaces, helping children feel more comfortable and in control.

“Outdoor instruments also reduce noise sensitivity indoors,” Allya explains. “Children can play gongs, chimes, and other large instruments without overwhelming their senses or others around them.”

Looking ahead

Outdoor music is now woven into themed therapy days and events. An upcoming “Giraffes Can’t Dance” day will take place entirely outdoors, combining storytelling, crafts and music-making with Percussion Play instruments to create an immersive, uplifting experience. Allya shares a quote from the late comedian Victoria Wood, a supporter of Jesse’s Fund, which captures the spirit of their work:

“If you can give children access to music, no matter what their difficulties in hearing, speech, mobility, and understanding, you’re giving them the chance to celebrate their humanity, their spirituality, their energy, their creativity, their sense of fun. And while these children’s lives may be limited in length or scope, the benefit they get from music is unlimited.”