MUSIC THERAPY PROJECT IN HEREFORDSHIRE

Winston Churchill rarely spoke of his black dog,

yet it dogged his life probably more than we'll ever know! It is remarkable that he was able to lead our country during the war years of world war ll. Many of us have our own BLACK DOG by another name!

With the resolve of Churchill we are going to manage the black dog then drive it away wherever possible.

We will do this by utilising the well recognised philosophy that music, dance and socialising is a great remedy for promoting good mental health, spiritual, emotional and general well-being.

The project will offer a range of opportunities for people to get involved in music, dance and other creative activities as a way of improving physical and emotional well-being. Our notion is based on the simple and universally understood fact that playing music and dancing brings people together, releases endorphins causing them to feel good while at the same time promoting mental health, well-being and agility. We will work with local groups and communities to develop creative projects that everyone can take part in irrespective of colour, creed, culture, disability or other differences.

From our location in Hereford, we will offer studio-based and mobile song-writing, recording and music technology, video and photography sessions for individuals and small groups, as well as providing opportunities for people to work with us as volunteers to gain training and experience working in arts and general health settings with a holistic approach to personal well-being. We hope to form partnerships with relevant agencies, such as (Mind) to help develop our understanding of mental health issues. We will also deliver a range of visual arts activity and creative writing projects as a way of producing something tangible to reflect upon.

We'll develop and implement an out-reach service where by we make visits to those who are unable to reach us. Please share this.

I want to set up this project as there are a wealth of talented musicians in Herefordshire. I think this probably is not exclusive to this area and is something which could be utilised even more than it is already to deliver a coordinated response to mental illness UK-wide.