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Molly Davies

Addressing The Climate Crisis

Nick's shadow in the grass of a wide open landscape with green grass and blue skies

Addressing the Climate Crisis

Exploring the climate crisis through music

The climate crisis is a complex and pressing issue that affects every aspect of our lives, including our health and wellbeing. At OPUS Music CIC, we believe in the power of music to bring people together, inspire change, and promote healing. That’s why our Artistic Team recently embarked on an exploration of the climate crisis with the guidance of our environmental mentor, Dave McKenny.

A Day of Reflection and Creativity

On a freezing January morning, our team gathered at The Land near Little Eaton, Derbyshire – a remote and inspiring location perfect for deep reflection and creative exploration. With Dave McKenny’s guidance, we delved into the intricacies of climate change through Joanna Macy’s “The Work That Reconnects.”

Dave led us through a spiral process of gratitude, mourning, and moving onwards. This process helped us to understand the deeper concept of gratitude and its implications for self-awareness, compassion towards others, and our relationship with the world around us.

Integrating Climate Consciousness into Music in Health Practice

As Healthcare Musicians, we recognise the importance of caring for others through our music-making and the need for self-care within that practice. The themes explored during our day with Dave will shape our approach to diversity, training, daily practice, and broaden our awareness of ourselves, our community, and our world.

Our goal is to develop a musical response to the climate crisis that will become part of OPUS’ musical offerings. This creative response aims to raise awareness and continue the important discussion about caring for ourselves, others, and the world we live in.

Personal Reflections on the Day

Oli, shared his thoughts on the day’s inspiration:

“I found the day really inspiring… The cyclic diagram of gratitude could be a great stimulus for a piece of music—a kind of thankful piece. ‘Change’ had great importance and provoked musical ideas in me, maybe more as a reflective piece rather than a piece of repertoire.”

Sarah also reflected on her experience:

“Many aspects of the training day have really endured for me… The Spiral model was really useful in finding positive outcomes without feeling overwhelmed. The day’s delivery was just great—sensitive, stimulating, and perfectly contextualised in relation to our practice.”

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly grateful to Dave McKenny for guiding us through this transformative day of personal and professional learning. As we integrate these insights into our practice, we look forward to sharing our musical response to the climate crisis with our community.

Stay tuned for updates on our journey as we continue to explore the intersection of music, health, and environmental consciousness.

Together, we can make a difference and inspire positive change through meaningful creativity. We invite you to join us on this journey towards a healthier, more sustainable future.

Together, we can make a difference and inspire positive change through meaningful creativity. We invite you to join us on this journey towards a healthier, more sustainable future.

Photos of the countryside and the sessions with Dave on the hillside

Finding the right Rhythm

Finding The Right Rhythm

How does drumming support your health and wellbeing?

We asked Rich to shed some light on the Bodhrán and what drumming means to him. 

 

Being a musician with a specialism in healthcare and whose main instrumental focus is drums and percussion might seem like a tricky thing to reconcile; The sensitive nature of hospital spaces and the perception of percussion as loud and energetic might seem at odds, but many elements of percussive music when delivered with sensitivity and intention, can be just what’s needed in healthcare spaces.

Percussion based music can be calming and restful as well as being enlivening and celebratory. The lack of melody and harmony in drums can side step the potential pitfalls of engaging patients with music that might be associated with difficult emotions. The presence of rhythm in a space can be very grounding, lead to changes in mental and physical states and help with connection.  

The drum I choose to play in hospital is the Bodhrán. It’s a frame drum associated with traditional Irish music but increasingly played in a greater variety of settings.

A lovely aspect of the bodhrán is the variety of tones that can be got from the drum meaning that a huge range of traditional and contemporary rhythms can be played on the drum. It can be played across a range of volumes with a tipper (single stick) or played really sensitively and very quietly, finger style like a traditional middle eastern frame drum.

I play a drum made by a German maker called Christian Hedwitschak. The drum is very responsive and the sounds range from warm and deep tones to high pitched accents that are really well balanced in combination. Although the drum wasn’t especially crafted for me it has always been my instrument of choice for hospital as it has such a lovely range of warm tones.  

I’ve played drums and percussion for 32 years now and my main instrument over that time has been the conga drums or ‘tumbadoras’ as played in Cuba. The bodhrán is a much smaller, quieter and more portable drum than the congas but rhythmically equally as versatile. I often find myself translating rhythms from the congas on to the bodhrán. Both drums have a wide range of tones that can be played in combination.

For me playing and improvising around a repetitive rhythmic structure is really soothing and pleasurable. It takes me out of myself and puts my mind in a much calmer and more coherent state. Drumming also seems to connect with people in a way that I’ve not experienced with other instruments.

It is my absolute belief in the power of rhythm to change and transform us that has motivated me to develop myself as a healthcare musician and to want to share the experience of what rhythm can do for us with others. 

Rich Kensington, OPUS Healthcare Musician

Photos of rich playing the Bodhrán

OPUS Community Music Sessions

Transforming lives through music

OPUS Expands Wellbeing Groups with Arts Council England Funding

Thanks to the generous support from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Community Fund, OPUS has been able to extend its reach, creating three music for wellbeing groups in Bolsover, Ashfield, and Nottingham. These sessions provide a supportive space for participants to delve into the therapeutic benefits of music, specifically designed to cater to those with acquired brain injury, children experiencing anxiety, and families coping with dementia.

These community-based projects originated from the growing demand within healthcare and local communities. With the current spotlight on social prescribing and activities for wellbeing at the forefront, OPUS recognised the need to carve out a space for group music making sessions. OPUS wanted to empower local music makers to lead these sessions, to share their expertise in their communities, with the additional benefit of reducing the OPUS Carbon footprint. Six local musicians were invited to lead the groups, and OPUS proudly supported them in honing their skills and gaining practical experience.

Chris Doyle, a community musician, noted the unique atmosphere created in the sessions “The community music sessions give space for the participants to relax, socialise, and engage at a nearly unconscious level with sounds, songs, and beats.”

Diane, another music-maker, highlighted the success observed among young participants “It is satisfying to see the young people enjoy the sessions – their excitement, enthusiasm, and engagement is a great success week-to-week.”

The impact on community musicians has been profound, leading to improved self-esteem and some now considering a career in music in healthcare.

Over the past fifteen weeks, participants consistently expressed their enjoyment, with some describing the experience as transformative. A Social Prescribing Link Worker shared positive feedback from patients who felt the music session brought a sense of vitality.

“I just wanted to feed back that two of my patients attended the session and said it was excellent! They thoroughly enjoyed it and the carer of the gentleman I am supporting mentioned that he ‘came alive’ with the music, which she found wonderful to see.”

Participants praised the relaxed atmosphere, and older music makers found solace reminiscing about old times.

Inspired by these positive outcomes, OPUS is eager to expand its impact. Plans include increasing participant numbers, collaborating with various sectors to ensure sustainability, and utilising the expertise of the community and network of healthcare musicians.

Financial support from Derbyshire MIND charity further enables the development of a community music-making group in Bolsover. Sessions, starting in April, will focus on music-making for wellbeing, promoting social interaction to benefit mental health and support diverse needs such as loneliness and dementia.

For more information, please get in touch contact@opusmusic.org

Community Music Sessions

OPUS Music and the Impact on Parent Mental Health

Parent Mental Health Day

OPUS Music and the Impact on Parent Mental Health

Parenting is a rewarding yet challenging journey, and the demands of caring for a child can be particularly daunting for those navigating the complexities of hospital stays, illness, and mental health challenges. This Parent Mental Health Day, we feel it is important to highlight the transformative impact of music, on parents in hospital settings and in the community.

In the words of a grateful parent whose child participated in one of the OPUS community music sessions:

“I just wanted to say an enormous thank you to the fantastic team at OPUS for the care and support you gave P in the autumn music sessions. She loved it and was always so happy about returning. It had been a very difficult year for us, but we really feel we’ve got her back. We can’t thank you enough. What a fantastic group of people P was lucky enough to be a part of.” 

A nurse, witnessing the direct impact of music in hospital environments, attests to its positive effects:

“It contributes to positive developmental care for infants and provides wonderful moments for bonding between infants and families. Thank you so much for providing this service. As a nurse, I can see the positive impact this is having for patients and their families.”

The stress of a hospital stay can be overwhelming for parents, but OPUS music sessions shine a bright light even in the darkest times. A relieved parent shares their experience:

“Their session made an otherwise stressful hospital stay much brighter. As a parent, at a time when you’re feeling exhausted and worried, they really do make things feel better. To see my daughter join in and enjoy the music and singing was so refreshing after seeing so much upset from being unwell. They take pressure off parents to entertain, relieve staff, patients and parents, and they genuinely make the ward a lovely place to be when they’re there.”

This Parent Mental Health Day, we celebrate the impact of OPUS music on parents, both in hospital and in the community. These quotes illustrate the tangible difference music can make in the lives of families facing challenges. OPUS creates space for musical expression for communities, parents, and children, to support their mental health and wellbeing.

Parent Mental Health Day-2

Free Music Care Training

FREE Music Care Training

Register

We are offering a FREE one day OPUS Music Care training course.

Whether you care: at home, in the community, in an education setting, or as part of your job, this course is designed for you. 

We are running three, day long workshops in February 2024 to equip carers with the skills to use Music Care in their everyday care. Carers are invited to attend one of the days to gain confidence and new techniques to use Music Care in their practice.

You don’t need to be musical to attend the course, just the interest and openness to find new ways to connect and communicate.

6/2/24: 10am – 3pm – Assembly Rooms, Bolsover
7/2/24: 10am – 3pm – Community Hub, Idlewells Shopping Centre, Sutton-in-Ashfield
9/2/24: 10am – 3pm – The Radford Care Group, Nottingham

You will need to register to confirm your interest and we will get back to you to confirm your place.

Find out more

Music Making in Bolsover

Community Music Making Group
  • Blog, Music and Health

Music Making in Bolsover

In the serene surroundings of Hillstown Village Hall in Bolsover, something truly special is happening every Friday afternoon. Thanks to funding from Arts Council England, a community music group led by OPUS Music has emerged as a source of inspiration and support for individuals living with Dementia, as well as their dedicated caregivers. Through music making, participants come together to create a nurturing and joyful environment.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Types of Dementia include: Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Lewy body, Frontotemporal, Huntington’s, and more.

Sarah’s Perspective

 

Sarah Matthews, one of our OPUS Musicians, involved in facilitating these sessions, captures the essence of the group beautifully. She describes it as a “wonderful group of local people caring and supporting one another through music-making and laughter.” The sessions are not just about music; they are about human connections and shared experiences. Participants engage in conversations about everyday topics, including the weather, transportation, and reciting poetry. They explore a diverse range of musical elements, from historical industrial songs to Scottish love songs and even the creation of beautiful soundscapes using various instruments. This diverse and engaging atmosphere is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Chris’ Experience

Chris Doyle, one of the local community musicians leading the group, shares his experience. He describes the participants as a “pleasant, relaxed, interesting, and joyful group of people.” This atmosphere of positivity and relaxation sets the stage for engaging and spontaneous music sessions.

Chris finds inspiration from the participants’ life stories and memories. The sessions highlight the importance of being passionate about what you do and inspiring others. Through this musical journey, Chris has gained confidence in his own musicianship and enhanced adaptability. More than anything, he emphasises the sheer enjoyment of creating music in an uninhibited and inclusive environment. His initial expectations of participants not being very engaged were pleasantly disproved, as people embraced the opportunity to be open and try something new. The group provided a space for relaxation, socialisation, and engagement with sounds, songs, and beats.

Notably, the group has proven to be inclusive and accommodating, allowing those with decreased coordination and dexterity to participate and potentially stimulate improvements in these areas. It provides a platform for individuals to simply be present in the moment, fostering relaxation and sociability. The creativity within the group naturally evokes memories and stories, touching participants and their caregivers alike.

Harvey’s thoughts 

 

Harvey Holmshaw, another of the Bolsover-based community musicians leading the group, reflects on his positive experience with the group. He highlights how the sessions have enhanced his understanding of social care and boosted his musical confidence. The group’s benefits are all-encompassing, moving not only the participants but also the individuals leading the sessions. Harvey points out how the music deeply affects the group, often rekindling deep-rooted memories that might have been temporarily forgotten.

One of the remarkable aspects of the sessions is the power of conversation. “It positively affects the whole group, participants personalities come out… the simplicity of making and enjoying music, while sharing and stimulating memories as well as being sociable”. The group members engage in discussions, and the music created during the sessions often resonates with the thoughts and feelings shared by participants. This approach amplifies the effectiveness of the sessions and reinforces the sense of community and connection.

These music making sessions in Bolsover allow those with Dementia and their caregivers the freedom to experience music in a way they chose, offering autonomy and creative expression. It can become a source of solace, engagement, and inspiration for participants and their caregivers. Through the magic of music, memories are rekindled, and connections are formed, offering a ray of light in the lives of those facing the challenges of Dementia.

These sessions run every Friday at Hillstown Village Hall in Bolsover from 1pm – 3pm. Please get in touch if you are interested in taking part ben@opusmusic.org

OPUS Music’s Compassionate Contribution to End-of-Life Care

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day

OPUS Music’s Compassionate Contribution to End-of-Life Care

 

This October the 14th the world comes together to observe World Palliative Care and Hospice Day, and we shine a spotlight on the transformative role of music in providing solace and comfort during the most delicate moments of life.

At OPUS our ethos is to make music with all to promote positive health and wellbeing. These music-making sessions explore connection, remove communication boundaries, and promote the health benefits that music brings. Supporting not only the patient, but the family, and healthcare staff that surround them at these significant times. Music offers the space for emotional release, to soothe, and to support connection, which is vital in these last moments.

“I want to thank you OPUS for yesterday. You played beautiful songs, and my Mum sang, smiled, and loved it. Mum passed away early this morning. We are devastated, but remembering the smile on her face whilst watching you will stay with me always!” – Daughter of a patient

As well as working in hospitals across the East Midlands, we also make music in community settings, in hospices, and care homes, bringing music to individuals. The feedback we have received from family testimonials highlights the significance of music in end-of-life care.

We believe that compassion in action within the realm of end-of-life care is vital, and we understand the important role that music can play in these final moments. Our healthcare musicians enter patient rooms with sensitivity and grace, crafting musical moments that transcend the ordinary. Our aim is to facilitate solace and connection to patients and their families during a challenging time.

“Thank you for playing to my mum while she was a patient. You came into her room and played beautifully, such a magical moment we will never forget, thank you.” – Son of a patient

In the hushed corridors of hospices and hospitals worldwide, where the journey of life meets its final notes, music resounds as a healer and the bridge to connection, creates lasting final memories. As we celebrate World Palliative Care and Hospice Day, we join the conversation and champion the transformative power of music in end-of-life care. Our impact extends beyond hospices and hospitals; it reaches into the hearts of patients and their families, creating lasting memories.

The profound impact of music emerges as a universal language that transcends words, easing pain, offering solace and leaving an enduring legacy of compassion and connection.

Find out more about what we've been up to...

Play in Hospital Week

Play in Hospital Week

Celebrating Play in Hospital Week 2023: Nurturing Creativity and Innovation in Play

 

As October rolls around, we at OPUS Music CIC are thrilled to join hands with hospitals, play teams, and compassionate individuals across the East Midlands and beyond in celebrating Play in Hospital Week. This annual event, taking place from the 9th to the 15th of October, is more than just a reminder—it’s a celebration of the healing power of play.

“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul. It gives joy, freedom, contentment, inner and outer rest and peace with the world” – Friedrich Frobel

This year’s theme, ‘Creativity and Innovation in Play,’ is a testament to the resilience of both healthcare providers and children facing daunting challenges. At times, hospitals can be intimidating and overwhelming, and for children the experience and these feelings can be magnified by their vulnerability and a lack of control over their surroundings.

The significance of play in a hospital setting cannot be overstated. Play serves as a powerful escape. It has the remarkable ability to lift a child’s spirits, improve their mental health, and even help babies reach crucial developmental milestones.

Despite its proven benefits, play in hospitals remains a challenge for many institutions across the UK. Children benefit from the therapeutic effects of play, but due to constraints and resource limitations, not all are able to access it. 

This week we are joining the conversation and celebrating the importance of supporting children in hospitals through play and praise the remarkable efforts of the dedicated play teams in hospitals across the East Midlands that we are lucky to work alongside.

Together, we can make sure every child’s hospital journey is filled with creativity, innovation, and the joy of play.

"We don't stop playing because we grow old... we grow old because we stop playing"

George Bernard Shaw

Find out more about what we've been up to...

World Alzheimers Day

The Healing Power Of Music

Transforming Lives During Alzheimer’s Awareness Week

It’s World Alzheimer’s Day and we are joining the conversation sharing stories of resilience, connection, and wellbeing.

Stories of people like Jean, an older lady living with vascular dementia, who found solace in the soothing power of music.


The Impact of Music: Transforming Care Environments

Jean's Story: A Remarkable Encounter with Music

Jean’s story is a testament to the incredible impact that music can have on individuals living with dementia. She would often call out in distress, searching for a connection with her loved ones. However, her story took a heartwarming turn when Mary (our Associate Musician) sat down beside her and offered the gift of music-making.

As Mary played, Jean’s cries of distress gradually softened. The calling out became less agitated, and moments of serenity emerged. What made this experience truly remarkable was the power of a shared voice. When Jean cried out, “God help me!” Mary transitioned the piece into the soothing melody of “Amazing Grace.” As Mary played, Jean began to join in. Singing the last line with clarity, bringing a smile to her face.

Mary played other hymns which provided a welcome distraction as the nurses administered Jean’s medication. A close friend of Jean’s visited, and joined in as they all sang “Amazing Grace” together. Jean mouthed the words along with them, relishing the moment of connection and joy.

The story of Jean is just one example of the profound impact of music on individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. As caregivers and healthcare professionals have observed, music can bring remarkable changes to care environments. 

Music offers the space for connection, it can create a communication without words, reaching neural pathways that fire subconsciously and can ignite memories once forgot.

"A long-standing patient has got great comfort from the music and singing. The patient who has dementia usually gives no eye contact and will just shout out and screw up her face. Today this patient has her eyes open, the most beautiful smile and is humming along to the music. We need more of this on the wards. Today our ward is so calm due to the music. Seeing the positive response by patients has brought a tear to my eye."
Nurse
University Hospital


Take Me As You Find Me: A Song by OPUS Music

In our quest to raise awareness on World Alzheimer’s Day,  we wanted to share our song “Take Me As You Find Me.” You can listen to it here. This song portrays the experiences and emotions of the response to our practice within dementia care. It reminds us of the importance of empathy and understanding.

"It really changes the atmosphere; while they're playing you don't hear all the coughing and beeping; it makes the patients more comfortable. We deal with lots of patients with dementia, and you often see them dancing to the music and playing along. You can learn a lot about a patient's history and find out more about them. It's so important when it comes to individualising care. How can you care for a patient holistically if you don't really know them?"
Nurse
University Hospital


OPUS Music's Commitment to Dementia Care

In addition to our musical contributions in health and care settings, here at OPUS Music we are making a meaningful impact in the community. Thanks to Arts Council Funding, we are running a series of workshops in Bolsover for families living with dementia. Our new team of community musicians are bringing music to families and facilitating music-making sessions that support their health and wellbeing. This initiative exemplifies the positive change that can be achieved through the healing power of music.

As we commemorate World Alzheimer’s Day, let us be inspired by stories like Jean’s, where the simple act of sharing music can bring comfort, connection, and joy to those living with dementia. Music is a powerful tool for transforming care environments and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Join us as we continue to explore the healing power of music and work towards a more inclusive and compassionate world for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

For more information on Alzheimer’s and the broader initiatives to support individuals with dementia, you can refer to the following resources:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/world-alzheimers-day

https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources

https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/resources-caregivers

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-dementia-resources-for-professionals

Together, we can make a difference and create a more supportive and understanding society for those living with Alzheimer's and dementia.

OPUS Music is a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee registered in England no. 07900221

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