22nd December 2025
Patients and colleagues at Hafan Y Coed Mental Health Unit have worked together to release a Christmas song, which has been professionally recorded at University Hospital Llandough.
Deputy Ward Manager Katie Turner and the team prioritise creative therapy like music to help patients on their road to recovery whilst in hospital. It’s Snowing on Me was written by 42-year-old patient Chris and developed through regular music therapy sessions with Katie.
Chris has been a patient at Hafan Y Coed periodically over the last nine years. As someone who has been passionate about writing music since he was 18 and even featured on television show the Voice of Ireland in 2014, music therapy has played a huge part in his care.
Chris’ new song It’s Snowing on Me has been released under the name of the BipolarBears and is about missing somebody at Christmas.
“We began working on it on a day that Chris was particularly struggling” says Katie, “music is a great way to de-escalate patients and gives them a positive, creative outlet.”
When complete, Katie and her colleagues Holly and Mannon helped facilitate a visit from a videographer and recording team, to professionally record the song from their ward. The project gave Chris something to work towards and has inspired him to continue writing and making new music.
“When patients come into the ward with an interest in music, maybe singing or playing an instrument, it’s something we always support.” Katie says. “Music therapy on the ward reminds people that no matter if they’re patients or staff, we’re all human. It’s a way to bring everyone together, especially for patients who demonstrate limited insight into their need for hospital admission.”
Katie started bringing her guitar into work during her time as a student nurse and has continued to get involved with music therapy on the various mental health wards she has worked on.
“This project has been incredibly impactful for Chris, he seems so bright compared to how he was previously. It’s great to see him motivated again.” Katie said.
During a recent visit at the hospital, Chris’ dad even commented that it was like having his son back.
“The song gave me something to focus on and gave me a purpose” Chris said. “I’d recommend others to get involved with music or creative projects whilst in hospital. It adds sunshine to a rainy day.”
“Katie has always made time for my music therapy, special thanks to her, Holly and Mannon for all their help” he said.
The team at Hafan Y Coed have been working on further creative festive activities, like stained glass window designs and Christmas window designs on the wards.
It’s Snowing on Me has been playing on the hospital radio station, Rookwood Sound, and is available to listen to on Youtube - It's Snowing on Me and Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/0IwcTHd3ferL3wbDdZUmp5?si=585053bf51244ea9.
It’s Snowing on Me has become Hafan Y Coed’s own Christmas number one and is a reminder of how important creative therapy can be for someone’s care.
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