The North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre (NYMTC) is seeking funds to secure and expand its life-changing music therapy services across the region through 2026 and 2027.
Every week, the centre supports children with complex special educational needs, adults with learning disabilities or mental health challenges, and older people living with dementia.
The charity said: “For many of those individuals, traditional talking therapies are not accessible.
“Music therapy provides a powerful alternative – enabling communication, emotional expression, confidence and connection where words alone are not enough.”
Last year, NYMTC delivered more than 850 sessions to over 250 people in settings including special schools, care homes, and its centre in Hovingham.
The appeal comes amid rising demand and financial pressures.
Funds raised will support NYMTC’s team of specialist music therapists, expanded sessions in schools and care homes, and subsidised therapy through the charity’s Music, My Voice fund.
The service supports people like Lucas, a seven-year-old born blind with additional learning needs.
Through weekly sessions, he began singing words, then phrases, and started to interact with those around him.
More information about the appeal is available at www.music-therapy.org.uk