Man Made Songwriting
Song-writing and recording original songs, documenting moments that matter in our participants lives
Ward 5 Newsam Centre Music Project
Arranged with the support of Janette Hynes MBE, Senior Occupational Therapist we had the opportunity over one year ago to work for 6 weeks with Cloth Cat Beat The Blues project, to introduce song-writing as a means of improving mental wellbeing and working with a professional songwriter from Creative Frame CIC.
Once the project finished with beat the blues, Janette asked Jonathan Parker from Creative Frame CIC to continue working with the ward and progress with the work, this was instigated and recognised by the service users who wanted this work to continue as they enjoyed the sessions and felt this benefited their mental health as part of their rehabilitation program.
The songs cover themes of love, loss, escape and hope and have been crafted from words written by the men on the ward and offer a very personal insight into their thoughts, feelings and past experiences.
These songs have been written collaboratively with participants on the ward bringing lyrics or suggesting lyrical ideas through keeping diaries and documenting ideas, shaping the songs as we went. This project offers a unique insight into what is possible using song writing as a basis for creativity, opening up conversations and setting realistic shared targets.
As things progressed it was clear that something special was happening with the men in the group, and Janette then asked Jonathan and the participants if it was possible to make a recording in a studio and make a album of the music , as this can be something tangible to hear and taking that step further from just a music session on the ward to recording an album and inspire others. Also, to highlight if you are struggling with mental health issues then using music as a creative tool, it can aid recovery and that everyone involved can take pride in.
The album is now available to order on pre-sale and will be released in November for International Men’s Day. Below is a taster of what the men achieved. We would love to know what you think and please do spread word of these songs far and wide.
credits
released November 19, 2023
All songs arranged by Jonathan Parker and Colin McKay
Recorded and Produced by Colin McKay
Lyrics by members of the Ward 5 Newsam Centre Song-writing group