The impact of Tickets for Good: Sun Yixuan's study in NHS well-being

We've always known that going to live events can make a real difference in people's lives. But how much of a difference? And what exactly is it about these experiences that helps? Sun Yixuan (Shealy), a post-graduate student in the Department of Music, wanted to explore this for her Psychology of Music dissertation at the University of Sheffield. Over the past 6 months, she’s worked with us to explore the impact of Tickets for Good on the work-life balance and social well-being of NHS employees.

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Her research was all about exploring how getting out to see a concert, a play, or a sporting event through our platform could support the mental health, social connections, and work-life balance of the amazing NHS staff we work with.

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The study/research methods

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Shealy’s project was a mixed-methods study, which means she used a questionnaire survey with both quantitative (rated scores) and qualitative (open-ended questions) elements. She focused on five key themes: work-life balance, social connection, emotional impact, barriers to participation, and post-pandemic influence.

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What we learned: The power of a ticket

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Shealy's findings were incredible, and confirmed what we've always believed. Here are some of the most important takeaways:

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• More than just de-stressing: The quantitative ratings for stress relief were in the mid-to-low range (an average of 2.92 out of 7). But the stories told a different tale.
  
  Participants frequently used phrases like “switch off” and “emotional reset,” to describe their experiences. One user said that the activities had a “balancing effect” on their health and well-being, while another mentioned that attending an event helped them "sleep with joy after a stressful week". It turns out a night out isn't just a little break, it's an emotional recharge.

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• It's better together: Shealy also found that going to events with others significantly amplified the enjoyment and meaning for our members. In fact, 79% of participants gave the highest enjoyment rating when attending events with others. The qualitative data revealed that this was a key way to strengthen relationships, with one participant noting it was nice "to see colleagues in social settings and make new friends". Sharing the experience truly makes it more special.

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• The magic of music: When it came to emotional and restorative impact, music-related events came out on top. One user's quote sums it up perfectly: a concert made them "feel like myself again," calling the experience "like therapy for my mind". It just goes to show how powerful live music can be in helping people reconnect with their identity and find joy.

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• Understanding the hurdles: Shealy's research also highlighted some of the main barriers to participation, which included shift patterns and travel costs. One person mentioned a recent experience of getting free tickets for an event but not being able to return them due to personal reasons. These insights are invaluable for us as we continue to improve our platform and find ways to make events even more accessible.

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Shealy’s study is a powerful validation of our mission: to use the power of live events to improve well-being. It proves that the 1 million-plus tickets we've processed, saving our 500,000+ members over £20 million, aren't just about fun—they're about providing essential moments of relief, connection, and joy. The study also shows that Tickets for Good has helped many NHS workers "look forward" and reconnect with friends and family after the pandemic, helping them to "feel valued" and “unwind" from the stresses of work.

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We are so grateful to Sun Yixuan for her amazing work in this study, and to all the NHS staff who shared their feedback with her. We also extend a special thanks to Professor Stephanie E. Pitts for her academic guidance as Shealy’s supervisor. The insights we've gained will help us continue to provide experiences that make a real difference in the lives of those who do so much for our communities. We can't wait to see what Shealy does next in her academic and professional career, and thank her for her interest in our story.

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