How music supports mental health recovery: 20 years of the Mind and Soul Community Choir
“When I sing it feels like topping up my oyster card for the week”- choir member
The Mind and Soul Community Choir, a South London mental health choir based at Maudsley Hospital in Denmark Hill, London, is celebrating twenty years of supporting recovery, wellbeing and community through music. Recently named ‘Charity of the Year’ in Southwark, the choir brings together service users, carers and staff to improve mental health through singing, songwriting and social connection.
Nicola Wydenbach, Musical Director of the Mind and Soul Choir shared:
“Winning the award is a lovely acknowledgement, particularly as we are such a tiny charity run by volunteers with lived experience. This recognises the importance of creative health, and it proves that we must continue to break the stereotype that mental health must be seen as negative and instead advocate for the positives.”
The choir received this award for the indescribable impact they have had on individuals with lived mental health experience. The sense of belonging that the group provides has demonstrated that mental health support is not only found in clinical settings, but also in friendship and shared experiences.
What does the choir offer?
The choir began in 2006 when the Maudsley Charity funded a six-week programme to help those struggling with their mental health find comfort through song. With support from Southwark Council and national charities, the choir now runs weekly sessions in the Maudsley Hospital canteen. The choir also run a monthly singing café on a Psychological Medicine and Older Adults (PMOA) ward at the Maudsley Hospital, which helps those with dementia find companionship. They also lead song writing and singing workshops for individuals in acute and Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) wards throughout the year as part of their InReach programme, which can help to boost service users’ mood at a time in their life when they may feel at their lowest.
More than music: using music to improve mental health and wellbeing
The impact of the choir is multi-faceted. Whilst singing has many physical health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, it also helps to reduce levels of stress and anxiety. Evidence suggests that group singing reduces an individual’s cortisol levels and instead increases their oxytocin, the hormone for bonding and connectivity. Individuals with lived mental health experience often feel isolated, but coming together each week has allowed members to make long-lasting friends and socials networks with people who understand, care and look out for one another.
“You are not defined by who you are, just how you sing and the beauty of singing.”- choir member.
At the choir, individuals can let go of the beliefs or identity labels they may hold about themselves and can increase their confidence and find their voice. The focus on co-creation means that individuals can make contributions, such as choosing songs for the group to sing, and this gives individuals a sense of achievement and pride, something they may not have felt towards themselves in a long time.
Stories of hope and recovery through music
Musical Director Nicola Wydenbach shared the story of a lady who took part in a songwriting session during her time on an inpatient ward. Whilst in a high state of anxiety, the lady played the piano and sang a song about Ghana. Nicola supported Aga Serugo-Lugo, who used this as inspiration to create ‘Ghana Sunshine’ a beautiful song about hope and brighter days. Once the lady was discharged, she joined the choir again. She shared that she didn’t remember much from her time on the ward, but that she remembered the choir workshop.
Stories like these prove the value music can have for individuals on a journey to recovery. By using song as a creative outlet, individuals feel a sense of peace and hope that better days are coming.
Celebrating 20 years of the Mind and Soul Community Choir
The choir will celebrate its twentieth anniversary on Friday 9 October at St John’s Church in Waterloo. Everyone is invited to attend, whether you are a previous or current member of the choir, or if you are looking to join. There is no need to book a place, but please visit the Mind and Soul Choir website for more details.
The choir are also currently compiling a songbook of all the songs co-created with service users, carers and staff, which will be released this year.
How to join the Mind and Soul Community Choir
To find out more about the choir and how to join visit Home - Mind & Soul Choir or email: hello@mindandsoulchoir.org