Music at Mind

Introduction...

In 2007 we secured funding from the Lankelly Chase Foundation to set up a 3 year music project.  Growing Minds was then born! We had access to 3 musicians who were already familiar with mental health issues themselves and wanted to give something back.

We then secured funding for a 1 year pilot project with JUMPS, which focused more on young people.  This project is currently being launched and further information about it’s progress will become available shortly.

Paul Chousmer - Music Project Coordinator

After a classical music education as a child, Paul has worked professionally in music for over 30 years, as a musician in many rock bands including Webcore, Fields of the Nephilim and Ozric Tentacles; as a sound engineer for recording studios such as EMI and also for live touring acts like Circus Archaos.

For the last 12 years Paul has also been a music educator, lecturing in FE colleges in Yeovil and Bath, and at Bath Spa university, and also facilitating several young peoples bands and Jazz workshop groups.

Jane Harwood – Community musician and evaluator/supporter of project

It’s exciting for me to be involved in the music projects at MIND because it brings together my main interests.
I’m a musician who plays guitar, electric bass, and flute. I’m in two bands – Gringo Ska (jazzy, dancey ska), and Malarchy (gypsy style, with an Eastern feel). I think you can’t underestimate the pleasure of playing live music.

Because I want to share this, I’m also a music leader – teaching skills and leading music projects. My aim, and my work, is to enable others to play too. For me, music should be for all – a place can be found for everyone who wants to join in.

Marsha Miles – Project Manager

From day one I felt as though these projects were supposed to come our way.  Our band came together through word of mouth and it was after the concept of having a music project was formed then we applied to Lankelly Chase for funding which looked exactly right for our group. 

I have had the real pleasure of working with these very dedicated, reliable, talented and special people for nearly a year and am very excited about new work which will encompass the younger people who come to use our services.  Mental health still has a stigma attached to it but music is completely accessible and encompassing to every human on the planet.  My wish for the future of the projects is that is raises awareness and supports the bands to achieve great things themselves.

HELP NEEDED!!

• We are looking for  volunteer supporters to assist in the sessions and help with setting up equipment, advertising, promotion and other admin duties as required

To download an application form click here

Other info:

To look at the Growing Minds timetable click here

To look at the Growing Minds leaflet click here

To listen and view sessions click here

Past members comments

To contact the project manager click here

Other useful links:

JUMPS website

http://www.jumps.org.uk/

Lankelly Chase website

http://www.lankellychase.org.uk/

Thanks to our partners:

Somerset Partnership Trust – Rowan Place staff