The Music Group provides weekly music sessions for young people from the ages of 16 to 35 who have experienced an episode of psychosis, to enable them to regain confidence and develop new skills which they can use to help their recovery and re-integration into the community. We are currently working in partnership with the West London Mental HealthTrust in 2 boroughs, in collaboration with the Support Workers from the Early Intervention Support (EIS) Team in Hounslow and the EIS Team in Ealing.
ACTIVITIES
- opportunity to explore various instruments
- choose an instrument they want to learn and work together
- writing a song
- performing
- recording their own CD
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- They develop skills to interact, communicate and socialise with others in and outside of the group due to taking part in a constructive group activity.
- They gain confidence and self-esteem from learning a skill, and a sense of accomplishment and pride from creating and performing a piece of music.
- Their recovery is aided by access to a safe place and a therapeutic environment.
- They feel part of and contributing to the community, helping to improve their future well-being.
The young people from the Music Groups have made a CD and some have performed at the Music School Christmas Concerts. Some of them have already gone on to find work or go back to college and been able to further their love of music.
The groups have been supported by funding from the Heathrow Community Fund under their Communities for Youth grants programme.
QUOTES FROM CLIENTS
Together as one
OKMT has run two 12 week music groups for people with mental health problem attending Together As One drop in centre in Twickenham. The aims were to improve the emotional well-being of clients, increase their confidence and creativity, help them feel less anxious and more able to interact with others. 10 clients attended the group
- 90% felt the Music Group is helping with their overall well-being
- 90% felt more creative
- 80% felt it had helped them make friends and interact more with others in the group
- 80% felt more relaxed and happy
- 70% felt more able to express themselves
- 70% felt proud of their achievements
- 60% felt more confident