Music Initiative Offers Renewed Purpose for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions

For Gaynor, resuming saxophone playing has provided “something to look forward to” following years of managing her schizophrenia. Despite having previously performed with bands throughout Bournemouth, she stated that she ceased playing after receiving her schizophrenia diagnosis. Gaynor currently participates in an initiative established by occupational therapists, designed to help individuals managing mental health conditions develop confidence through musical engagement. She is scheduled to perform an original song with the group at Absolute Music Trust, expressing that she feels she has “got a tiny part of my life back”. The initiative was established by Dorset Healthcare Trust, which directs service users to participate in the music rehabilitation sessions. The program has been operational for over a year, with the aim of motivating the band to ultimately perform a song for an audience. Occupational therapist Lorna Farmer stated that the concept for forming the group originated after she observed that several of her patients in the outreach program considered music a “meaningful occupation”. She commented: “There was nothing out there for them that they could engage with, we realised it was a real unmet need and decided to do something about it.” During 2023, Mrs Farmer and Jordan Pace collaborated with Absolute Music, a Bournemouth venue, to facilitate two weekly music groups. Ms Farmer and her team individually approached service users to discuss the group, continuing until they had sufficient participants, such as Gaynor, to commence the program. The saxophonist, who resides in Southbourne, remarked: “For a good 10 years I didn’t play, unfortunately, I’ve got a psychotic illness and it’s very difficult to manage.” She added: “I do struggle a lot, but I find that it’s really positive if I can play my music. It’s something years ago, before my illness, I really used to love doing.” Gaynor indicated that participating in the group provided her with a “reconnection” to music and “a bit of hope for the future”. She stated: “It gets me out, gets me focused, gives me something to look forward to.” She continued: “Now I’ve picked it up again, I feel like I’ve got a little tiny part of my life back.” The musical group is currently preparing to present a collection of original songs at Absolute Music on 11 December. Ms Farmer commented: “It’s massive for them because a lot of them, before the group, spent a lot of time at home, quite isolated, and didn’t have the meaningful occupation that has motivated them to do something like this. All of them have grown in confidence in coming to the group and all of them work together as a supportive group. I’m really excited for them.”