The Musicians on Call project is led by Limerick City and County Council Arts Office in collaboration with Age Friendly Limerick and Healthy Limerick. Delivered by artistic partner Music and Health Ireland in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Clare and Tipperary County Councils.

The Musicians on Call project involves musicians visiting hospitals and healthcare settings across Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, performing for patients and residents.

The programme aims to bring high-quality live music to vulnerable older members of our communities and create a shared experience for all. It also aims to promote health and well-being through music providing Music in Healthcare Workshops to HSE staff.

Professionally trained musicians from Music and Health Ireland took the opportunity to engage with older residents and healthcare staff in nursing homes and community hospitals.

This project is a music-sharing experience for residents that allows them to connect through music and song, the musicians, residents and care providers engage on a deeper level, providing a safe, enjoyable and inclusive atmosphere that puts the residents’ interests and choices at the heart of music-making. It has been welcomed in these settings.

The project hopes to continue to develop a regional team of professional musicians with the skills to work appropriately and safely and to offer an opportunity for professional musicians to join the project and gain experience alongside experienced fully trained Healthcare Musicians.

It also wants to extend the geographic reach of the Musicians on Call mentoring project, with a view to developing a longer-term programme.