Good vibrations on the way for hospital patients given creative outlet to express themselves

A travelling band which uses music as therapy for people in prisons, mental health units and hospitals has received a cash boost to help pay for work it is currently doing at Bethlem Royal Hospital in Beckenham.

For more than 20 years the Good Vibrations band has been successfully using communal music-making to support people in challenging circumstances, and often with complex needs, to develop life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.

Using music as a tool for social change, the band uses Indonesian gamelan instruments as well as music technology to help participants tell their own stories through creative music projects.

A £6,000 grant from the London Freemasons Charity will enable Good Vibrations to deliver its Loophole Music project at Bethlem Royal Hospital, the famous psychiatric facility in Monks Orchard Road.

Open to all patients, as part of the occupational therapy offer, the project reaches out “in an open-minded, inclusive and safe creative environment,” according to those involved in the project.

Jenni Parker, chief executive of Good Vibrations, said: “We are thrilled and delighted to receive generous support from London Freemasons, enabling us to deliver vital creative music sessions in Bethlem Royal Hospital.

“Our Loophole project supports people in very challenging circumstances, and our work provides a rare platform for creativity and self-expression, as part of individuals’ recovery, while offering opportunities to learn new skills in music production and technology.

“We know that music can change lives and that projects such as this can have a significant impact on the lives of those to take part.”

Paul King from London Freemasons, said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to support Good Vibrations’ Loophole Music project. It’s clear how music can help people come together, be creative and move forward in life. The creative musical dimension enables participants to express their own personal journeys.”

Pictured top: Members of the Good Vibrations team with their musical instruments (Picture: MetGL Communications)