Laura's Story

What is your role at our Trust? 

I’m a music therapist with the children and young people's community learning disabilities team. Most of my work is outreach, visiting young people in their homes or schools, as many are unable to attend sessions in person. I also run sessions at 18 Mole Business Park.

As a mental health service, we offer an alternative to traditional talking therapies, which many children with learning disabilities find challenging. We use music to support self-expression, emotional processing, and sometimes developmental goals such as communication or cognitive skills.

Each session is tailored to the child’s needs. Some are structured with specific activities or songs, while others are more freeform and improvisational, using music as a way to communicate without words. We adapt the approach to suit each child, incorporating both music and conversation when needed.

Describe a typical day 

On a typical day, I might visit two different schools. For example, yesterday I saw an older child in the post-16 service at one school in the morning, then drove to another part of Surrey for a few sessions at another school.

Between sessions, I catch up on notes, emails, and sometimes phone calls if there’s time. I travel with my instruments and set them up at each location if they don’t have their own. It’s not a standard 9-to-5 job.

What is the best part of your job?

I enjoy the creativity of the job, as every session is unique. We often see the best in people, even those facing significant challenges due to their disability, and sometimes we help facilitate something really special. It’s rewarding when families or teachers can recognise that progress too.

Some days are simply fun - singing Disney songs or doing activities where you think, "I’m actually getting paid for this!" But even during difficult or emotional sessions, it’s motivating to know that you’re there to support someone and make a positive difference in their life.