Academics launch Music Therapy Hub to support East Lothian community
Two Queen Margaret University (QMU) academics are set to launch an innovative Music Therapy Hub in Longniddry, bringing a new community-focused wellbeing service to East Lothian.
Dr Philippa Derrington and Dr Nicky Haire, from QMU’s Division of Occupational Therapy and Arts Therapies (OTAT), will officially open the Hub on 2 July. The new venture is designed to provide music therapy services while supporting health, wellbeing and creative engagement within the local community.
The Music Therapy Hub represents an entrepreneurial initiative led by QMU academics, combining professional expertise with a strong commitment to community impact.
The project has been supported by Business Gateway East Lothian, which has provided advice and guidance to help establish the new service.
In addition, Dr Derrington and Dr Haire secured £10,000 in enterprise funding from Queen Margaret University to support the development of the Hub. This includes £5,000 from the Scottish Government-funded Microfinance Programme and £5,000 from the Santander Universities Enterprise Fund.
The funding has enabled the team to purchase musical instruments and essential equipment required to deliver therapy sessions and establish the new facility.
This is a fantastic example of how QMU is supporting our staff to turn their expertise into innovative, community-focused services. By combining academic expertise, entrepreneurial ambition and targeted funding, the Music Therapy Hub shows how our enterprise support and partnerships help ideas grow into initiatives that deliver real benefits beyond the campus.
The launch also highlights the University’s wider commitment to enterprise, knowledge exchange and community engagement, helping translate specialist skills into practical services that support local people.
Further information about the Music Therapy Hub can be found via Music Therapy Hub Longniddry.
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to press office E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk)
