Our Impact
Project title
NHS Vision & Harmony Festival – Enhancing Patient Wellbeing Through Music
Project lead
Chanelle Smith
Resident Doctor in Ophthalmology
West Midlands Deanery
Grant awarded (£)
5,000
The challenge
Undergoing medical treatment, particularly for eye conditions, can be a stressful and
anxiety-inducing experience. Many patients face long waiting times, complex procedures, and uncertainty about their vision and recovery. This festival seeks to create a calmer, more uplifting environment by bringing music directly to patients, helping ease these emotional challenges. Music has been widely recognised for its therapeutic benefits. It can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and improve mood, contributing positively to a patient’s overall experience and potentially even their clinical outcomes.
The NHS Vision & Harmony Festival was rebranded as the ‘Eye Tunes Festival’, 1st-5th June 2026, in the Out-Patients’ Department at the Birmingham Midland Eye Centre.
What we funded
Music Equipment & Setup: i.e., PA system etc.
Event Logistics & Materials i.e. flyers, decorations, etc.
Miscellaneous i.e. refreshments, volunteer expenses etc.
Impact
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The Eye Tunes Festival is a unique initiative designed to enhance patients' mental and emotional wellbeing through the power of music. This project will introduce live musical showcases and performances in a healthcare setting, with a particular focus on patients undergoing ophthalmology consultations and treatment.
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It creates an opportunity to address emotional needs alongside physical treatment, supporting a more compassionate model of care.
![eye_tunes_flyer[3]_page1.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8783c1_8e94889512cc478bb3f1ee87fb3c0c8b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_833,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/eye_tunes_flyer%5B3%5D_page1.jpg)
Project title
Sports engagement & wellbeing for young people impacted by visual impairment
Project lead
Edward Edmead
Head of Business Development
Your City & Metropolitan Hospital Charity
Grant awarded (£)
10,000
The challenge
Coordinate, promote, and supervise the delivery of community-based sporting activities aimed at young people and adolescents affected by visual impairment and at risk of sight loss. Help increase their physical activity levels and support the overall health and wellbeing of the community. Strive to make a positive difference by addressing the health challenges they face.
What we funded
This partnership unites West Bromwich Albion FC & The Albion Foundation, the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, and Your City & Metropolitan Hospital Charity. The Albion Foundation's experienced coaching team has developed the ‘NHS Summer 2025 VI Sport Sessions’ programme, carefully designed to engage, support, and inspire the individuals referred to them. These beneficiaries, affected by visual impairment or at risk of sight loss from conditions such as diabetes and other health issues, are central to this initiative.
Impact
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Monitoring information will demonstrate take-up among young people and population demographics, identify any specific health conditions at the onset of project implementation, and show how its sports-based interventions have addressed health inequalities.
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Evidence of health and wellbeing outcomes, reduced health inequalities, and community impact.
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Certificates of participation for beneficiaries and a closing awards or celebration event to recognise achievements and share impact.
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Engagement and participation, where improvements in health and overall wellbeing have been realised, alongside feedback from consultations and responses from carers, parents, and families.
Project title
Production of an educational video to prepare children for their visit to the Eye Department
Project lead
Laura Ramm
Specialist Orthoptist
Eye Department
Birmingham Children’s Hospital
Grant awarded (£)
2,465
The challenge
Attending a hospital eye appointment can be an intimidating experience for children and their carers. It can be helpful for families to learn about who they might meet within the multidisciplinary ophthalmology team and what may happen during their visit to the eye clinic.
What we funded
Creating an informative video that guides patients through the different eye care professionals they may meet and highlights some procedures they might experience during their visit. This welcoming video will be available on the hospital's website for everyone to watch at their convenience. All new patients will be encouraged to view it before their first appointment to help them feel more prepared and at ease.
View the video here.
Artwork will be displayed in the waiting area. It will be modern, engaging, child-friendly, and inclusive, reflecting the diverse workforce and community. Families can view this together while waiting for clinical assessments.
Impact
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Providing families with trusted-source information before their first visit will enable them to have open conversations with their children, set expectations, offer reassurance, and care for their mental health, wellbeing, and eyes.
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This will minimise surprises on the day and help patients feel more relaxed and less anxious, resulting in successful examinations and better experiences for everyone.
