BUSINESS WEST – CONNECTING BUSINESSES inspire CASE STUDY INSIDER
Charity changes lives with musical therapy
An inspiring charity is transforming the support available to adults whose lives are seriously affected by mental illness, using music therapy to support them as they rebuild their lives and ultimately move back into employment. The charity helps adults with mental health
issues where talking therapies may have failed (words are often too difficult) – or are simply not enough. Over 50 per cent of clients are registered disabled and many have had traumatic past histories and struggle with substance misuse or self-harm. Music therapy can be a ‘way in’ allowing people to connect with their feelings. Gradually clients can regain hope and develop greater self-confidence and begin to socially interact.
Paul’s Story Paul* came to a Soundwell group for 15 months. He has a long history of psychosis, severe difficulties forming relationships and many failed attempts at work/college. When he first attended the group he lived at
home, was unemployed and was unable to use public transport. He was extremely anxious and found talking very difficult. His sense of his own worth was also very low. Paul found talking to people very hard, however he found communicating through music much easier. Over many months of group work, using the instruments, he started to make good relationships with other group members and began to feel that he belonged and fitted in as part of the group. At the same time he started to feel better about himself, which made him feel less anxious in the group and communication became easier. After about a year of this positive cycle, Paul
found work and the group supported him through the difficult transition period of getting to know new work colleagues. After his first few months in the job he felt ready to leave the music therapy group. Paul continued to work, including changing jobs during that time, and moved out of his parents’ home into his own flat. Success stories such as these are what motivates the dedicated staff at the Soundwell Music Therapy Trust. Through music they have
NAME: Louise Hooker
POSITION: Biomedical and Life Sciences Sector Lead E:
louise.hooker@businesswest.co.uk T: 07850 300575
FACTFILE COMPANY: Soundwell Music Therapy Trust LOCATION: South West of England
WHAT WE DO: We provide music therapy for adults with mental health issues
HISTORY: The Charity was founded in 2000 by qualified music therapists in response to a lack of services available to people with mental health issue in Wiltshire. Today they employ 26 part-time and freelance staff. Through music they have helped many adults, enabling them to develop their ability to form relationships, leading to better integration into society.
repaired the lives and improved the prospects for lots of adults – in many cases the groups have been the catalyst for altering the course of someone’s life. Soundwell is a member of the Business West Chambers of Commerce. Karina Eccles, fundraising manager said: “We joined the Chamber in order to raise Soundwell’s profile in the business community, to raise awareness of its activities and to gain business support. We find it a fantastic way to connect with other businesses and we find the networking breakfasts particularly useful.”
www.soundwell.org.uk
*Client details have been changed in order to maintain confidentiality.
What does your role at Business West involve? Helping South West companies, who are generally working in healthcare but not always, grow and scale by identifying international opportunities. I guess I am a “professional facilitator”! I really try to get to know companies and people I work with. A good relationship and knowledge of what a company is looking to achieve is crucial. I am very much a person who doesn’t say no – I like to say well let’s give it a go and see what we can come up with!
What were you doing before you worked at Business West? I led a life of crime and confrontation! I am a qualified barrister and solicitor. I specialised in criminal defence and dispute resolution.
What is the most unusual business you’ve encountered? Unusual, not sure. Inspiring – there have been many, such as Micrima, who has developed a breast cancer screening system that uses harmless radiowaves and DesAcc whose data processing software has the ability to unlock and standardise huge quantities of clinical data.
What is your top tip for anyone starting out in business? I think you have to be determined, focussed, agile and patient. Things don’t happen overnight and often not in the way or order you plan.
What are your interests outside work? With two teenage children I appear to “love” driving! I like to keep fit – cycling, gym. I love to travel and explore. I have a bucket list of things I would like to do – roll on retirement!
What did you want to be when you were growing up? A conductor and a baker when I was really young... very random. Then a TV presenter.
MARCH/APRIL 2018 insight 17
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
