​Scotland's only music therapy charity has been drumming up key support for its latest campaign

MSPs have been asked to support a charity’s ambition to make music therapy accessible to everyone in Scotland.

Music therapy is vital for many people

On a recent visit to the Scottish Parliament, Nordoff Robbins Scotland told MSPs its sessions make a difference to the lives of over 400 people every week who have dementia, autism, learning disabilities and other complex conditions.

To illustrate the importance of their support the charity asked the politicians to help them make a song. They created a music bar and the politicians add quavers and crotchets.

Carolyne Nurse, fundraising director at the charity said: “Music therapy is vital for many people. Whatever their condition or illness, music therapy helps people to take their first steps to engaging or re-engaging with the world around them.

“It is important that our MSPs understand that for many of the people we work with, music therapy is not optional – it is essential.”

Patricia Ferguson MSP, who hosted the visited, added: "Music therapy has the power to change people’s lives for the better and Nordoff Robbins is a charity I am proud to support.”