Hot from the Press


To read about the Sunbeams Music Festival taking place in February 2010 click here

To read our latest newsletter click here

Sunbeams Charity Shop opens!! To read more click here

Local firm continue to support Sunbeams! To read more click here   

To read all about our fundraising events click here

To read the latest on the Rickshaw Run 2010 click here

As a result of the growing demand for our services, we are always seeking new Musicians and British Sign Language facilitators.  If you are interested click here

Sunbeams Concert Troupe performed at St Martin-in-the-Fields!!! Click here

We have received full planning permission for our Sunbeams Centre!  Thank you Eden District Council!  Now the fundraising REALLY starts!  For our ‘Donate A Brick’ Appeal click here

Our Founder, Annie Mawson
Photograph courtesy of Cumbria Life


Sunbeams is an award winning charity that provides Music for Life to people with special needs throughout the North of England. We provide over 60 live music workshops per month to people who are disadvantaged. The service is available to children and adults with a wide variety of special needs including physical disabilities and mental health problems, Alzheimers and senile dementia, cerebral palsy, autism, Down's Syndrome, sensory impairments, emotional and behavioural disturbance and profound multiple disabilities. Our most important achievements, however, are those we share with our clients and musicians. The power of music to heal is brought to us in all the feedback we receive from clients themselves, their carers, families and communities..

"The quality of life of our clients is greatly enhanced by the Sunbeams Music For Life programme". Peat Lane Residential Home in Kendal

"Our clients enjoy the sessions and benefit from the experiences the music offers. They feel emotionally uplifted after the Music For Life sessions. They welcome the opportunity to have a common interest as music is a useful service in their community integration and society". Group for Adults with Severe Learning Disabilities



Our mission statement:

"Annie Mawson's Sunbeams Music Trust helps disadvantaged individuals improve their quality of life and self-esteem through the creative freedom of music."

Music is used to promote interaction between individuals and encourage a feeling of group belonging. Social skills are enhanced as individuals learn how to work together. The powerful effect of music is used to reaffirm identity, raise self-esteem, and give people a voice - literally. Music for Life can reach people even when all other strategies have failed, opening up new channels of communication and self-expression.

Singing our hearts out at Haven Care Home, Whitehaven

Singing our hearts out at Haven Care Home, Whitehaven

Harping on with twins Jack and Matthew, Mum Val and Sunbeams signer Laura

Harping on with twins Jack and Matthew, Mum Val and Sunbeams signer Laura


Our special philosophy is:

Sunbeams ventures into a world where doors are closed, and with commitment and passion, tries to find the appropriate musical key to unlock a knowledge that is there from the very first heartbeat.

 

Beautiful Amber and Annie leading the Sunbeams team in the Alfred Du Pont Hospital in Philadelphia

Beautiful Amber and Annie leading the Sunbeams team in the Alfred Du Pont Hospital in Philadelphia

 
Musicians working with Sunbeams Music Trust

Musicians working with Sunbeams Music Trust


To read Annie Mawson's explanation of Music For Life, click here