Do you make music or play an instrument? Here at Recovery Wirral, we would be interested in hearing from you if this is the case. There is a dire need for a musical outlet for service users. Whether you make music, or just love listening to it, leave a message on our forum pages, and let’s see what we can get going.
What would I have done without music? All through my life, it has provided a background to whatever I’ve experienced. When I feel happy, music enhances my happiness. When I feel upset, music comforts me. When I feel outraged at injustices or some peoples intolerance, music speaks for me. And when I see David Cameron on the news, I reach for my copy of ‘Evil Man’ by The Fatima Mansions. You get the picture. Music has kept me out of trouble, has supported me when no one else could and has kept me sane (most of the time).
If listening to music is a joy. making music is a passion. Many of the service users I know are interested in playing their own music, and most find it quite therapeutic. And yet, opportunities for service users to express themselves musically seem limited. If you have any ideas relating to the establishment of a music based, service user led project locally, leave a message on our forum pages.
There’s a section for your comments called, imaginatively enough, ‘Music’. Talk about ANYTHING related to music – making it, playing it, instruments and equipment, favourite bands, best albums, whatever. You never know what it might lead to!
Claude Cookie has a personal interest in mental health issues, having experienced a considerable amount of psychological distress himself over a sustained period. He has collected several diagnoses during this period of involvement with psychiatric services, none of which he feels adequately describes his experience. His interests include music (which he both listens to and performs), reading, writing, walking, politics and spirituality. He currently volunteers on several mental health projects and would encourage other service users to get involved with the services that they use, and help direct the way in which these services develop in the future. 
I met someone at MIND who plays the accordion. She was very good. If I see her on a course I’ll let her know that you are looking
Thanks Mark. I love the sound of accordions, So little heard nowadays.
Accordion, eh. Maybe we could do some crazy cajun music, or am I thinking of parisienne cafe music? It’s all good. Thanks for the info.