Mind and Soul Choir based in South-East London was awarded funding in April this year, They were formed in 2006 and their objective is to promote mental wellbeing through singing and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness.
Currently based at the Maudlsey Hospital in south London (one of the UK's leading mental health hospitals), the choir opened its doors to anyone that wanted to join in, including service users, staff, family, friends, carers and people from the local area. Since the outset, the choir has helped to create uplifting and positive experiences for members and audiences through the joy of shared singing.
They used the grant to partially fund weekly singing sessions at the Maudsley Hospital from 19th April to 21st June. They had over 17 people on average per session. This included some drop-in service users from the acute wards.
They learned how to breathe together as well as warm up their voices. They sang songs that included sea shanties where they worked on singing in harmony as well as singing uplifting motivational songs such as 'I wish I knew how it would feel to be free'. By working on harmony the group learned to expand their skills, increase confidence, and be uplifted.
Although a singing group, they found that the social aspect, in particular connection and friendships are equally important. Much fun was had during this time, and the group met for a social picnic to celebrate the King’s Coronation.