Thomas’s Fund is a charity that provides music therapy for children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions (and/or a disability) who, for medical reasons, are away from school/settings for extended periods.
Thomas’s Fund started in 2007 and became a charity in 2008. A need was identified to provide music therapy, across Northamptonshire for children and young people (0-19) with life-limiting illnesses (or life-threatening conditions) and/or a disability which, for medical reasons, means they are unable to attend school, or an Early Years setting, for extended periods. It was inspired by Thomas Smith. In 2025, Thomas’s Fund became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Thomas Smith died in 2004, aged 10, from a life-limiting neurodegenerative condition. He lived a short life, unable to attend school all year round but, thanks to his family, his life was packed with amazing experiences, activities and fun – a big part of which came through his love of music. Music therapy had a vital role to play in Thomas’s life. Had this charity existed, he would have benefited from being able to have music therapy at home, when he was too ill to attend school. At that time most school support was not available once children were no longer able to get to the school itself.
The Fund was set up and named after Thomas because many children, like him, were (and still are) too ill to travel far and unable to attend school or a setting for long periods. There was (and still is) no children’s hospice in Northamptonshire. Children and young people, therefore, had/have to travel out to Oxfordshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire to have access to music therapy when not at school. These children/young people, and their families, can often be very isolated and desperately need, or greatly benefit from music therapy and related support. Children and young people, like Thomas, are often in need of the emotional outlet and sensory stimulation that music therapy provides. Sessions enable them to express themselves through the medium of music (which can often be more accessible than the use of words). Since the formation of Thomas’s Fund, music therapy can be accessed at home when needed. The advantages of this were clearly demonstrated when Thomas’s younger brother Harry (who had the same condition) was able to receive music therapy, via the charity, at home when he was very ill and unable to attend school.
Jan Hall and Lucy Smith set up Thomas’s Fund, with the support of parents, friends and Music Therapists in the area. It was, and still is, supported by Northampton School for Girls, who generously donated specialist instruments (including the best music-related technology at the time) to get the Fund started. NSG was also extremely generous in helping to fund the initial therapy sessions. We were, also, very grateful to Jessie’s Fund (jessiesfund.org.uk) who supported us, both financially and with advice, when we were setting up the Fund.
Since it started, Thomas’s Fund has extended its service to provide music therapy (for children and young people – 0 to 19 yrs – who match our criteria) in the Children’s Wards in local hospitals (including Kettering NICU) and relevant Early Years Settings, as well as at home. Pre-school children are assessed on an individual basis.
We are proud that we managed to adapt and continue to provide our service – online (and provide resources to families) throughout the Pandemic. We were thrilled to receive the Rose of Northamptonshire Award for this work.
Although we are still a very small team (the majority of whom are volunteers – apart from our HCPC registered Music Therapists) we work tirelessly to ensure that this essential service continues. We are, always, grateful to anyone who is willing to support us, whether it be through donating, volunteering, fundraising or giving time/skills to support us with the running of the charity. Please contact us if you feel that you can help in any way.
Follow us to explore what we have been getting up to lately on Instagram @thomassfundcharity and on our ‘FriendsOfThomas’s Fund‘ Facebook page
Music Therapy is the creative and spontaneous use of music in the development of a therapeutic relationship between client and therapist. A variety of musical instruments and sounds are available and clients are encouraged to make use of these and/or their voice during the therapy sessions.
Development of intentional communication and interaction.
Reduced anxiety and increased relaxation.
Development of receptive and expressive language skills.
Provision of an alternative outlet for emotion and enhancement of self-expression.
Increased sensory development, awareness and experiences.
An increased awareness of self and or others.
Increase in fine and gross motor skills.
The client can express themselves through sound, silence, gesture and words. The role of the therapist is to listen, support, motivate, contain and respond musically or verbally to the client.
The interactive music-making process is used in this way in order to promote communication and facilitate emotional expression, creativity and personal growth.
Each therapy session develops according to the individual’s needs and the therapist’s approach. The client’s response determines the direction of the therapy. The aims of the therapy are not musical or educational but therapeutic. The music is not an end in itself, but a means to an end.
We employ, HCPC registered, Music Therapists (to provide our service) but when it comes to the everyday running of the Fund we are, almost entirely, volunteers. Any additional costs that we face, in order to run the service efficiently; abide by current legislation; or mount a fundraising event, are kept to an absolute minimum (however, as you can imagine, our fuel costs keep rising year on year!).
We pride ourselves on the fact that people can donate to Thomas’s Fund (or provide us with a grant) knowing that the children/young people (and families) who use our service, will benefit the most.
We value ALL support. Even if you can not make a monetary donation, you could still help us by donating your time; skills and expertise; fundraising experience or just by spreading the word about us, via your platforms.
A selection of posts and stories that highlight and celebrate the breadth of our activities and our wonderful supporters.
