I've Got Soul

Every now and again on our blog we showcase good practice from other parts of Wales. This week we found out more about a dementia initiative in Pembrokeshire. As part of the Gwanwyn Festival in July 2017, Live Music Now Wales was funded by Age Cymru to deliver a week of performance and loop pedal workshops with elderly residents living in care homes across Pembrokeshire.

Claire Cressey, Director of Live Music Now Wales, told us more:

Care home residents aren’t the usual chart topping performers you’d associate with a potential hit single, but with the rapid rise of older people in society and a continual increase in those living with dementia, our national charity has made the most of their musical talents and done just that.

Residents in six Pembrokeshire care homes have demonstrated their songwriting and vocal talents, with the help of Bridgend based musician John Nicholas (performing as John Llewelyn) through the work of musicians' development and outreach charity, Live Music Now in Wales, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.

Funded by Age Cymru, as part of the Gwanwyn Festival - a celebration of arts, creativity and old age across Wales - this summer John took his loop pedal, percussion and acoustic guitar to rural residents in Haverfordwest, Goodwick and Fishguard for two week long sessions of workshops and performance. Crafting the lyrics through the input and commentary of residents, John used his experience of working with isolated older people across Wales through his role with Live Music Now, to remind us of the challenges old age can bring, whilst celebrating the heart and passion that remains even when bodies may fail us.

In short the song speaks of the value of all life, regardless of age and ability, and with a movingly emotional video that shows some of the residents involved in the project, it is an important reminder of the many members of our local community who though unseen to us, still have much to contribute from within the walls of what have been termed “islands of the old”.

Lynne Jones, Manager of The Graylyns in Haverforwest commented, “The sessions were absolutely fantastic. John was a brilliant performer, and he definitely picked up a fan or two from our ladies! The whole Home responded so well to his choice of songs and his relaxed manner. The enjoyment on their faces was evident throughout. We are delighted they’re included on this single.”

With a heart reminiscent of Nina Simone’s 1968 “Ain’t Got No../I Got Life” this track is a real celebration of old age. Residents involved help to sing the chorus, and play percussion, and all funds raised through downloads of the single will go towards continuing Live Music Now’s work with older people in care homes, day centres, hospices and hospitals across Wales.

Older people are expected to make up one fifth of the world's population by 2050, with 1,735,087 - an increase of 154% from now - living with dementia by 2051. A recent Age UK report showed that creative and cultural participation was the number one contributor to wellbeing in later life from a list of 40 different areas, so why shouldn’t they be releasing new music?

As John commented, “This was probably the most fun I've had working in care homes in Wales with LMN. We can be too quick to write people off in old age, yet even for those with dementia the connection to music is one of their last remaining abilities, helping people recall memories and emotions, shifting mood, bringing emotional and physical closeness. It is truly humbling work to be involved with, and as a gigging musician, really reminds me of how powerful live music can be.”

Whilst they may not all become the next Ed Sheeran, the inclusive nature of the loop pedal and percussion elements allowed everyone to take part regardless of ability, and residents' mental and emotional health improved as a result. Now even their grandchildren will be able to download their hard work from iTunes.

The song “I’ve Got Soul” is released as a charity single via all good online music stores (iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Deezer, CD Baby) from Tuesday 19th September 2017. The video can be seen via Live Music Now UK’s Vimeo and YouTube channels. 

For more information on the work of LMN in Wales and the UK visit the Live Music Now website.

Music therapy - Olivia & Finding Frank

Olivia Bradbury is a musician and performer, who uses music as a therapeutic tool, who recently moved to Powys from London. She has considerable experience of working with people in mental distress. She tells us more about her past work, her play 'Finding Frank' which will be staged in Hay-on-Wye in June 2015, and her hopes for the future.

Olivia leading an orchestra

About me

I am a musician and creative facilitator working for the past few years mainly in mental health settings. This is where I am most interested in working and where I feel music is badly needed. Music workshops provide a way to connect with people who, for whatever reason, struggle with communicating their feelings. I have found that if patients and service users can find ways to speak through making music, they generally feel happier and consequently feel more motivated to take a positive, proactive approach to improving their mental health.

Olivia conducting the Crisis Choir

My workshops

My workshops provide environments in which participants feel supported to express what they want to express through the more abstract route of music/poetry/rhythm which may feel safer and more satisfying than communicating verbally. I provide starting points for participants’ ideas and frameworks in which their ideas can grow. This helps people not to  feel overwhelmed by the freedom of creativity. This careful balance of structure versus freedom is something that is tricky to get right and I have spent years trying to achieve this!

Too much freedom = overwhelmed, too much structure = stifled. I feel this is what is special about what I can offer and what is central to the nature of my workshops.

Olivia in 'Finding Frank'

My play

One of the places I have led workshops in London is Bethlem Royal Hospital. Here I met an elderly man who was suffering from severe anxiety and depression which was having a devastating effect on his communication skills, his memory, his relationships and his senses.

Over six months I saw him improve. It was the most rewarding experience of my career so far. I was so moved by what I saw in this man that I wrote a play about it -  'Finding Frank'. I had questioned whether making music did anything significant in the past, but this confirmed my belief that it most certainly did. This man was transformed! He used to get lost walking from the music room back to his ward, but not after the music work. He began communicating with his wife again and he was remembering how to play chord progressions on his guitar having initially described it to me like holding a foreign object - like an aubergine! He was cracking jokes, looking at me in the eye... I won’t say what else he achieved as I don’t want to ruin the story if you come to see the play.

When the funding cuts hit, I lost my work at Bethlem. Many who work in the arts have lost work over the last few years and it is only depriving thousands of people from a way of healing which is natural, sustainable and life enhancing. The play draws attention to this issue and my touring the piece is my way of building up awareness of the importance of music in treating mental health. 

Whilst making Finding Frank, I carried out many interviews of other people. I ran workshops with people who lived with mental health issues. I wanted to hear as many people's stories as possible - of their experiences of their minds and of their interactions with music. I learnt a great deal and felt very lucky to be able to gain this insight. I used audio clips of some of these interviews in the play (with their permission) and those that were featured came to see it and told me they were "proud to be part of a genuine piece" that talks "fearlessly and respectfully" about mental health. I felt very relieved that they approved! It was music that brought me close to all of these people. Music which is a bonding and unifying experience for any that get involved in it.

And now?

I have just moved to Powys after 11 years in London working in this field. I would love to continue my work here but need to find opportunities to do so. I know that organisations have an allowance for workshops but I know that funding is tight across the board. If you work for a hospital that would benefit from some musical activities and/or know of how I could source some funding to carry on with my work, I would love to hear from you!

For more information about what I have been up to and for contact details do have a look at my website.

Finding Frank is on at The Globe Theatre in Hay-on-Wye for three nights - 18, 19 and 20 June. Watch this YouTube video made for the production in London:

Tea-on-Top: with Brecon & District Mind

Every year members and Friends of Brecon & District Mind ascend the mountain called Pen-y-Crug in the Brecon Beacons for what they call “Tea-on-Top.” It is said to be a Lammas Day tradition, and those that go describe it as magical.

This year’s event takes place on Sunday 27 July. We gave Sue Hiley-Harris, Chair of the Friends of Brecon & District Mind, a call to ask her more about it.

Tea-on-Top 2010 - the musicians strike up a tune

Tell us more about what happens on the day
We meet at Brecon Cathedral car park at 2.00pm and walk up Pen-y-Crug together where we find tea, cakes and sandwiches waiting for us. The walk is a three-mile round trip, passing the ancient Maendu Well and exploring the Iron Age hillfort of Pen-y-Crug with its magnificent views of the Brecon Beacons.

Who can take part? 

Anyone – although they do need to be able to walk the approx 1.5 miles up the hill. Some of it is over fields and stiles so we ask that people wear stout shoes and suitable clothing – for all weathers!

Tea-on-Top 2010 - what a crowd!

Whose idea was Tea-on-Top and which year did it start?

It was Gareth Morgan’s idea to organise a walk in the spirit of the Lammas Day walk and Pen y Crug seemed a suitable hill. Our first Tea-on-Top was in our first programme - 2010. This will be our fifth Tea-on-Top.

What is the Lammas Day tradition that inspired the trip? 

Lammas means ‘loaf-mass day’ but, in Wales, gatherings on hilltops at the beginning of August were not necessarily connected to the first harvest festival of the year. Trefor Owen, in his book on customs and traditions of Wales, describes ‘the shepherds’ feast’ (ffest y bugeiliaid) when shepherds would bring food to feast on a hilltop in early August. The Lammas Day tradition of tea and merrymaking on the top of the Brecon Beacons was popular in the region until the 1950s.

Tea-on-Top 2011 - the music keeps on playing

What kind of activities take place “on Top” apart from the tea? 

These vary from year to year but music plays a major part. Guitarist and singer Laurie usually organises friends to play with her. In 2012 Colin brought his Olympic torch and we all processed around the hill fort.

How do people describe their experience of taking part? 

'It was a lovely day, members, friends and the community got so much out of it. As one member, who made it to the top of Pen y Crug for the first time in many years, put it "(phew) I made it and it was worth it! I could stay up here all day." Thank you so much for co-ordinating it and making the event a great success.’ Nikki Cook, Service Manager, 2010.

‘Thank you to all involved in T on Top today. I had a great time, enjoyed the food, company and music, even the weather!' Rosie Whitfield, 2011.

Tea-on-Top 2012 - following the Olympic baton (photo by Charles Jenkin Jones)

Does Brecon & District Mind organise other walking trips or have a walking group? 

I am involved with the Friends and we do usually organise another walk during the year. Brecon and District Mind are in the process or reorganising a walking group and discussions are underway about a Friends and members walking group. 

What effect does being out in the open and experiencing nature have on people’s sense of wellbeing? 

Walking can greatly improve people’s wellbeing and Tea-on-Top has the added advantage of walking with others and the “carrot” of a nice cup of tea at the top.

Tea-on-Top 2013 - Sue Hiley Harris serving tea to thirsty walkers

Who provides the tea, or do people need to bring their own picnic? 

We provide the tea, sandwiches and cakes – and water. 

Tea-on-Top 2013 - fun despite a shower

What is your favourite memory from other Tea-on-Top days? 

That is hard to have just one favourite memory. The first Tea-on-Top in 2010 was magic. It had been an enormous feat of organisation so seeing so many people on the top of the Grug enjoying the tea and music remains a special memory. Last year a short rain shower brought everyone rushing under the gazebo or under umbrellas. The laughter and happiness this created is also a favourite memory. The sun soon came out again!

Tea-on-Top 2013 - tea & cakes, music and that amazing view!

The Friends of Brecon & District Mind was set up in 2010 to enhance and support the work of Brecon and District Mind (or Brecon & District Contact Association as it was known then). You can find out more about their programme of events here.

Update following 2014 Tea-on-Top event
Sue got in touch to say: Tea-on-Top was wonderful: the walk, the weather, the musicians, the tea and the food were all perfect.

Tea-on-Top 2014

Music: passion and therapy

AJ, who has volunteered at the mental health charity Ponthafren Association in North Powys for many years, talks to us at Powys Mental Health about the regular weekly music therapy session he set up in 2005.

When does the music therapy take place at Ponthafren in Newtown?

On Thursday nights, between 5 – 6.30pm, the sounds of the music therapy group at Ponthafren emerge. Up to 6 – 8 members attend weekly, from a guitar player – myself – who writes and composes songs and runs the group, to a member who plays bass guitar and several other instruments such as keyboards. One musician makes his own instruments. He made a three stringed guitar out of a cigar box. It’s electric and he plays lead guitar on it. He also plays a banjo and a mandolin. We play electric for three weeks, and acoustic for the next three, and alternate the two.
Anyone who is interested can turn up on the day – it is not regimented, they can turn up and leave when they want.

Why did you set up the music therapy session originally?

Because I was a musician and I thought it would be a good idea to pass on some of my talents to other people. I don’t teach guitar in music therapy, but if anyone wanted it taught I would outside the session. It also helps my mental health. I suffer from depression, anxiety and stress and for 1.5 hours of my life I’m doing something I enjoy and my brain works in a different way. I can ask someone for three music chords and I can put that into a song and compose words out of my head. I can ask for a subject, someone can give me a subject, and I can sing a song about it off cuff. People will stand in amazement because this song has just come out of my head. I am asked how I do it but I have no idea. That takes me away from everyday stresses and strains, which is why I volunteer.

What actually happens during the session?

We start at 5pm. For part of it, this is where the other people come into it, I will play a song first and I will shout the chords out and the others will play along with me although they don’t know what I will play. They follow me – look at my fingers and follow the chords and get the song.

For the second part – I have “copy songs” that people know and they will follow me as I sing them and also play them on their instruments. Mainly - it’s fun. If somebody comes and plays completely out of tune – so what. They will get it in the end, they are there and they will enjoy themselves.

What is the reaction of those who attend the music therapy?

I am told by people that music makes you feel better than loads of pills.

I have actually taught someone from scratch – he’s been learning guitar for a year, he now comes to the music therapy groups and joins in and he also sings his own songs which he has created himself. It has opened a fantastic door for him because his family are musicians and he was always left on the sidelines. Now they have invited him in. He also suffers from mental helath problems and it has helped him tremendously.

People say after the 1.5 hours – "thank you!" I get texts from people who have just been, saying – "I feel great, I really enjoyed that." What more do you need?

Thank you, AJ, for talking to us! And if you want to tell us about your experiences of music, and how it has impacted on your mental health, please either add a comment or get in touch - we'd love to hear from you.

You can find out more about Ponthafren Association here.