Staff from Dorset Healthcare are setting up music groups to help patients with their mental health recovery.
Some patients with severe mental health problems have been found to have a strong emotional relationship to music.
Dorset HealthCare occupational therapists Jordan Pace and Lorna Farmer have designed, developed and now facilitate music groups in partnership with Absolute Music Trust (AMT).
Lorna said: “This initiative has proven to be an invaluable asset in supporting the recovery of our patients with mental health challenges.
“These groups create a safe, inclusive, and therapeutic environment where individuals can connect through music.
“This not only helps in reducing feelings of isolation but also encourages emotional expression and boosts overall well-being.
“Feedback from patients highlights how engaging in music, whether through listening or participation, has positively impacted their mood and provided a sense of routine and purpose”.
The groups are being made available to patients within the Complex Care Service.
The service includes rehabilitation with an emphasis on engaging service users through practices that promote social inclusion and are meaningful, helpful and enjoyable.
The therapeutic intervention groups aid recovery by allowing people to play and write music together in a safe environment, along with increasing social interactions and improved self-management.
AMT’s Jamie King, a musician with a passion for using therapeutic song writing to help deal with trauma, helped to set up the two music groups – Sound Times and Next Step Group – in Bournemouth where members have already recorded several songs.
He’s also assisted in the establishment of a weekly group at Nightingale House in Westbourne, Bournemouth with the support of staff.
Instruments have been donated by AMT and Jamie brings along his mobile recording equipment each week.
He said: “I am extremely proud of this collaboration, having reviewed all the feedback from patients and staff it is clear that the groups are massively beneficial.
“I look forward continuing the project long in the future.”
The project has been funded via AMT which has successfully secured bids including a generous donation via a National Lottery grant.