Alice Grenville: Music on the Wards - Open Door Music session on Stanage Ward, Michael Carlisle Centre
Open Door Music once again facilitated an open mic session on the mental health wards of Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Trust but this time at Stanage Ward, Michael Carlisle Centre. The event happened on Friday 8th March, and was a collaboration between Open Door Music members, staff from NHS teams Eastglade, CERT, Forest Close and Stanage Ward and regular musicians of the Artists Gathering (a monthly mental health friendly open mic session that happens upstairs at Blend Kitchen).
Open Door Music members performed covers ranging from Radiohead, Talking Heads, Blur, T. Rex and Abba and finished off with an alternative version of Status Quo’s ‘Rockin’ all over the world!’ adapted to ‘Rockin’ all over the ward’! Individuals from Stanage and Burbage Ward got involved with percussion, and one individual led an impressive slap bass funk jam.
The session brought vibrancy onto the ward and feedback from attendees at the session was that it was “brilliant”, that they “really enjoyed playing percussion and felt very included” and they “really enjoyed the variety of music that was played”. Everyone said they would like to have Open Door Music on the ward for another session and asked when they would next be back.
Music can play a valuable role in individuals’ mental health recovery, providing opportunities that promote social inclusion through shared meaningful experiences. It enables individuals to develop creative, technical and social skills and provides a vessel for self-expression, improved confidence, and self-esteem, leading to positive changes in wellbeing.
Open Door Music (a Sheffield Flourish Enterprise) is a mental health friendly group where people get together to jam, socialise, build friendships and pursue musical ambitions. Open Door Music happens every Friday afternoon 13.00-17.00 in a studio space at Stag Works (84 John Street, Sheffield, S2 4QU). All instruments and equipment are provided, and everyone is welcome to our sessions (the door is always open!).
- Alice Grenville, Student Occupational Therapist
