Health & Lifestyle | Posted on February 25th, 2025 | return to news
Music therapy hits the right notes in Dorset
Dorset HealthCare occupational therapists are setting up music groups to help people with mental health problems.
It has been proven that music can help people with mental health problems.
And with this in mind, staff from Dorset HealthCare are setting up music groups.
Occupational therapists Jordan Pace and Lorna Farmer designed, developed, and now facilitate music groups in partnership with Absolute Music Trust (AMT).
Farmer said: “These groups create a safe, inclusive, and therapeutic environment where individuals can connect through music. This not only helps in reducing feelings of isolation but also encourages emotional expression and boosts overall wellbeing. Feedback from patients highlights how engaging in music, whether through listening or participation, has positively impacted their mood and provided a sense of routine and purpose.”
The groups are being made available to patients within the Complex Care Service. The service includes rehabilitation with an emphasis on engaging service users through practices that promote social inclusion and are meaningful, helpful and enjoyable.
These therapeutic intervention groups aid recovery by allowing people to play and write music together in a safe environment, along with increasing social interactions and improved self-management.
Jamie King from AMT is a talented musician with a passion for using therapeutic song writing to help deal with trauma. King helped to set up the two music groups (Sound Times and Next Step Group) in Bournemouth, where members have already recorded several songs.
He has also assisted in setting up a weekly group at Nightingale House in Westbourne, with the support of staff. Instruments have been donated by AMT and King brings along his mobile recording equipment each week.
He said: “I am extremely proud of this collaboration. Having reviewed all the feedback from patients and staff, it is clear that the groups are massively beneficial. I look forward continuing the project long into the future.”
The project has been funded via AMT who have successfully secured bids including a generous donation via a National Lottery grant. Dorset HealthCare also has plans to set up a similar group in the west of the county and is currently looking for a suitable venue.
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