Music plays a fundamental part in most people’s lives as it can help shape identity, culture, heritage and spiritual beliefs. It can also help relaxation and leisure time, affecting people very deeply.
Music 2 Empower is an initiative by Cygnet Health Care which aims to share the positive effects of music therapy, helping to build confidence and self-esteem. With the Covid-19 pandemic having an impact on people’s mental wellbeing, it is important to shine a light on creative therapies like this that can bring about positive change.
The initiative provides resources and opportunities to Cygnet service users offering everything from access to recording studios and musical instruments to music therapy sessions, choirs, vocal coaches and beyond.
Richard, AKA ‘DJ 1AM, said: “There is an awareness of using different opportunities at Cygnet Oaks; they support you to grab at those ideas and channel them into making more positive things. You have more choice at the Oaks than other places and they have collaborated with me for a greater result in my music.”
Richard enjoys performing music and DJ’ing and has used his time at Cygnet Oaks to access computers and a recording studio to help him improve his skills as well as the chance to collaborate with others.
“I had ideas when I arrived and I used the equipment to record those ideas. Sometimes you need to be grounded, and you need people to go through things thoroughly to help bring those ideas to life – that’s what staff have done at the Oaks.”
Occupational Therapist, Fiona Batty from Cygnet Oaks said: “My role is to support service user’s to achieve their personal goals and participate in meaningful occupations. Music2Empower provides a unique platform where goals can be achieved and service users are able to express their creativity and their passion.
“It helps improve their confidence, self-esteem and allows them to share their skills and re-connect with their sense of identity. We also support service users at the Oaks to engage in their passion for music by accessing our on-site music room, supporting them to visit recording studios in the community and providing opportunities for our service users to perform and DJ at events hosted by the Oaks.
“Richard’s passion for music and his skills as a DJ have been clear throughout his time with us and it’s been fantastic to see how he has been able to share and develop his passion. We wish him all the best in pursuing his career in the DJ industry in the future.”
Richard is now keen to share his music more widely and when Covid-19 restrictions allow he looks forward to being able to perform his music and DJ.
He added: “I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the encouragement and push from Cygnet Oaks. I will continue DJ’ing so that I can get even better.”
Cygnet’s Expert By Experience lead, Raf Hamaizia introduced Music2Empower across organisation’s services around the UK.
Raf said: “Music therapy offers a major opportunity for individuals to put themselves at the heart of their recovery. I’ve seen first-hand how music can help empower people to address problems rooted in their past, opening up channels of communication and helping people to share their story and talk about their feelings and experiences.”