A Bristol singer, Lady Nade, has made it her mission to use music to help with people's wellbeing. She turned to singing and songwriting at the age of 10 after her grandmother passed away, using music as a way to process her grief.
Now working as a music facilitator, Lady Nade said her work has allowed her to build connections with schoolchildren, prisoners, hospital patients, hospice patients, and bereaved families. She believes music should be accessible to all and empowers people.
The NHS recognises music as a form of therapy and employs specialised healthcare professionals to deliver sessions. Music has been linked to various health benefits, including lower blood pressure, improved heart rate, and the release of endorphins.
Clare Maddocks, a registered music therapist from the British Association for Music Therapy, stated that music therapy is suitable for everyone, regardless of musical experience. She explained that music elicits a multimodal response in the brain, tapping into cognitive processes that help regulate mood and awaken the brain.
Lady Nade has performed in hospitals, including Southmead and Bristol Royal Infirmary, for patients with neurological, mental, and physical conditions, as well as in palliative care settings. She said sharing her music, which often explores themes of identity, love, and loss, feels like a calling.