Lecture on singing workshops for mental health service users
23 May 2008
The effects of singing on mental health service users will be explored at a public seminar on Wednesday 28th May.
The event will take place at the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, which is situated at the University Centre Folkestone, Mill Bay, Folkestone.
Psychotherapist, Tracy Morefield, will present the work of ‘Sing Your Heart Out’, an organisation which has successfully regenerated mental health across the region of Norfolk through a series of singing workshops. She will lead the session in conjunction with Marian Naidoo of the National Social Inclusion Programme and Penny Holden, a service user who chairs the ‘Sing Your Heart Out’ steering group. The seminar will include presentations about mental health service users who have benefited from ‘Sing Your Heart Out’. There will be an opportunity to take part in a singing workshop run by ‘Sing Your Heart Out’ voice coach, Chrissy Parsons West, for those attending the seminar.
Tracy, who is the founder of ‘Sing Your Heart Out’, said: “I have always had an interest in arts and mental health, having sung in several choirs since childhood, and experienced first-hand the joy and sense of well-being derived from music. I have been thrilled to witness the growth of popularity of the ‘Sing Your Heart Out’ project and feel privileged to have been part of a community of professionals and service users alike who recognise the enormous value of the arts for mental health. I am delighted to share the work of ‘Sing Your Heart Out’ with health professionals and members of the public in Folkestone. The session will be entertaining and fun, as well as informative and suitable for anyone with an interest in singing as a therapeutic activity for mental wellbeing.”
The seminar is free of charge to the public and will take place between 1pm and 3pm. To book a place on this seminar please contact Isobel Salisbury at the Sidney De Haan Research Centre on 01303 220870.
Notes to Editor
If you are a member of the press and would like to interview Tracy Morefield or Penny Holden, please contact Canterbury Christ Church University’s Media Relations Officer, Claire Draper, on 01227 782391.
Tracy Morefield and ‘Sing Your Heart Out’
Tracy Morefield has worked at Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Trust since 1985, originally training as a mental health nurse and later qualifying as a psychotherapist, currently working for the Southern Locality offering individual and group psychotherapy. She also has a private practice, working mainly with people who have severe eating disorders. Tracy began her career working in the rehabilitation department of Hellesdon Hospital, running activity and social skills groups and feels that the ‘Sing Your Heart Out’ project combines current therapeutic skills with the more practical and creative side of her early career.
In 2004, Tracy began searching for a suitably qualified and experienced voice coach to run some pilot singing workshops. She wanted it to be accessible to as many people as possible with the primary aim being of enjoyment and enhancement of wellbeing and positive mental health. She sourced funding for 12 sessions and relied on the patience and good-will of colleagues for their support as she sensed that the workshops might be popular but really could not predict the response.
Under the direction of voice coach, Chrissy Parsons West, the workshops have gone from strength to strength. They create an informal atmosphere where participants come together as equals, growing in confidence and experiencing a real sense of achievement as they make music together.
In 2006, the project won the Eli Lily Award for ‘reintegration in mental health’ and in February 2007 was one of the four finalists for the national Health and Social Care Awards.
On May 14th 2007, ‘Sing Your Heart Out’ was invited to sing at the prestigious Norfolk and Norwich Festival, along with Chrissy’s well known and respected community choir ‘Hearts and Voices’, and with David Juritz and the London Mozart Players. As well as singing some of the original music and a few of their favourites, they worked with renowned composer, Fraser Trainer, who works with such prestigious names at the BBC Symphony Orchestra and English National Opera. Along with him, they developed a piece ‘Spring’ which formed part of the concert.
Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health
The Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health is part of Canterbury Christ Church University and is situated at the University Centre Folkestone. The primary aim of the Research Centre is to promote the value of music and the arts for the wellbeing and health of individuals and communities.
Established in 2004, with funding from the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, the Centre is located in the rapidly developing Creative Quarter in Folkestone, Kent. It is a joint initiative of the faculties of Health and Social Care, and Arts and Humanities at Canterbury Christ Church University.
During the first year of its operation, the Centre working with Making Music South East to establish a number of Silver Song Clubs in East Kent, enabling musicians and volunteers to come together with groups of elderly people to participate in singing and music making.
Following the successful launch of the Silver Songs Clubs Project, an independent charitable company was established – ‘Sing For Your Life’ – to undertake the management and development of this initiative.
Contacts
Claire Draper, Media Relations Officer,
Canterbury Christ Church University,
01227 782391, claire.draper@canterbury.ac.uk
David Cutts, External Relations Assistant,
Canterbury Christ Church University,
01227 782826, david.cutts@canterbury.ac.uk
Contact Details:
Claire Draper
01227 782391
Email the Press Office
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