A pioneering music and film project has been created by users of mental health services in Manchester to aid therapy.
Users of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Rehabilitation and High Support services have worked on the scheme to create the ‘Musical Madness’ event at Rochdale’s Curtain Theatre at December 9.
Friends and family service users were present at the event where a multimedia film project was played, along with original songs and personal stories.
Lee McGrath, 40, an ex-soldier from Wythenshawe who has experienced mental health difficulties since his return to civilian life, said: “When you have a mental health problem you can get isolated from friends and family.
“In my case, I got involved in drugs after leaving the army but doing these shows has given me my confidence back, so now I feel like I’m appreciated again as part of the community.”
The users shared their stories, working with a music mentor and came from Bury, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside.
Gemma Kirk, Senior Occupational Therapist for Pennine Care, said: “The service users had a fantastic time preparing for, and delivering, the performances.”
The event was a great success and Gemma hopes it would help the performers continue to work to improve their mental health.
“It was truly inspiring to see how much confidence and self-belief they have made since first coming into the services and many of them have also developed lasting friendships,” she said.
The scheme was devised after consultation with service users who thought that using music would help to aid their recovery and is now in its fifth year.
Last year’s project was shortlisted this year for a prestigious award by NHS England.
