Windswept Massive to Wiltshire Massive

Service users from Windswept mental health rehabilitation ward in Swindon were funded by the Duke of Beaufort to engage in music studio sessions which enabled them to record a song of their choice. They have been able to experience singing, playing instruments and recording and producing their own track which was then performed at a local festival to over 2000 people. Every year the Festival on the Farm raise money to enable even more people to have the same opportunity, this year the music studio sessions are open to the clients of North and East Wiltshire.

Story

People with mental health issues say that stigma and discrimination have a negative effect on their lives. Sometimes unable to find work, engage in positive and meaningful occupations, have interpersonal relationship struggles or be socially included in mainstream society.

It is for this reason that the Occupational Therapist, Theresa York broke down some of these barriers and have given service users the opportunity to visit a local music studio and record a song that will be performed at the festival to over 2000 people.

The local music studio was ‘Mooncalf Studios’ which is in a beautiful setting just outside Swindon and the initial funding in 2023, came from an unlikely source, ‘The Duke of Beaufort’ who owns Badminton estate (he is the singer in the band that the OT also sings in). The 8x 2 hour sessions costing £640 set up this amazing opportunity to record music which was opened up to all service users, staff and placement students who attended the studio in groups.

Service users from Windswept ward in 2023 chose the song, ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ by Journey, and were able to sing or play instruments which were then recorded into a backing track or some chose just to enjoy the space! 1:1 sessions are also available to clients that find group situations difficult or maybe would prefer to record their own song, maintaining inclusivity as much as possible.

The following year, in 2024, the festival raised approximately £3000 to enable more clients to record the song, ‘Run’ by Snow Patrol which was greatly received by the festival goers. We even had the Dr. and the Medics singer in tears!

This year, we are currently in the studio recording, ‘I’ll Stand by You’ by The Pretenders with clients from North & East Wiltshire who will be performing at the festival with the support of the festival band, ‘The Fizz’.

Thank you so much for your ongoing support with this project. Music is a crucial element of everyday life and provides an atmosphere that is positive, supportive and inclusive.

Feedback from the team:

See you all at this years Festival on the Farm 2025!!

Theresa

Occupational Therapist.