Everybody is smiling as you walk into Zest on a Friday morning, where many young people are enjoying listening to and making music together.
Part of the St Elizabeth Hospice Group, Zest provides specialist medical and social support services to young adults living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses, while also ensuring the smooth transition from children’s hospice into adult care.
Held once a month, Zest Music Therapy – which is part of the Zest Days service – provides engaging and fun group sessions that can be enjoyed by all. Everyone involved has an opportunity to express themselves through music, and create connections with those around them.
Josh, who has been attending Zest since it began in 2015, said: “I love the Music Therapy Days at Zest so much. I’m a big music person and like all types of music, from Ed Sheeran to dance music, anything with a good beat really.
“The Music Therapy activities at Zest is something I look forward to every month, as they really help with mental health and they are just a lot of fun to be a part of.”
Zest Days are held every Friday, at St Elizabeth Hospice from 10am-4pm, and are dedicated to young adults aged 18 and upwards.
The music therapy sessions at Zest are funded by a kind donation from the Jess Grant Celebration.
The Jess Grant Celebration is a charity created in memory of Jess Grant who passed away aged 15-years-old after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. However, her love of music, whether listening to or playing her electric guitar or drum, helped Jess greatly through her 3 and a half years of treatments and operations.
As a result, her parents Anita and Kevin established the Jess Grant Celebration in her memory with the ambition of helping improve the well-being of children and young people suffering from medical conditions by supporting the provision of music therapy.
It is clear that through its unique short breaks, allowing young adults to escape their daily routine, and inclusive group activities, the Zest Music Therapy allows young people to enjoy life to the full, and is a particularly powerful opportunity for those who use non-verbal communication.
To find out more about Zest call 01473 727776 or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/zest.
For more information about the Jess Grant Celebration visit www.jessgrantcelebration.org.uk.