MUSIC THERAPY
aims to improve the mental well-being of emergency workers through music. Chroma is the UK’s leading provider of creative arts therapies services to partners across the health, education, social care and statutory sectors, through its team of more than 90 registered creative arts therapists. Findings indicated a positive reduction in symptoms, increased sense of wellbeing and a sense of leaving therapy with specific coping strategies. Participant feedback revealed that they were surprised at the benefits experienced and that they were going outside of a comfort zone, learning different coping strategies and experiencing reduced stress. Many participants expressed a desire for the group to continue and requested they be contacted about additional programs for which they could sign up. Seb Valentine, founder of the BLSO and
serving Detective Sergeant with Surrey Police said: “Seventy-one percent of the participants recorded reduced levels of distress compared to when they signed up for the program. All participants reported appreciation of the therapy and a change in their stress and coping mechanisms since engaging in the therapy, indicating
that they had accessed their desired support and strategies. This was supported in a reduction of psychological distress scores in five of seven participants (one score not provided, one score increased) and an increase in both Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) and Group Session Rating Scale (GSRS).”
perceptions around the therapy and their own experiences changed as a result. “We are keen to build on this work
“Everyone became increasingly confident
with the use of music and their perceptions around the therapy and their own experiences changed“
Several participants had initially expressed apprehension around music being a core component of therapy. This was based on concerns around their own lack of musicality, and a so-called kumbaya perception of sitting around playing songs, with partners and/or friends making fun of their attendance. There was a normal rate of attrition (approximately 30 per cent) before the group started (Long, 2016), and anticipated group attrition within the first four sessions. Seb notes: “Over the course of the program, participants became increasingly confident and comfortable with the use of music, as would be expected, and their
and are planning to repeat this program in Surrey and Sussex, incorporating feedback and learning. This includes extending the length of individual sessions and the program from 12 to 16 weeks as well as incorporating one-to-one check-ins with the music therapist. We are also planning a larger pilot in London when funds allow. We are delighted that this project has inspired
a similar project being run by the NHS in the West Midlands later this year.”
If you would like to play with the orchestra or help in an administrative role, please visit the ‘join us’ page on the BLSO website. You can access the full project report by the Music Therapist, Amanda Thorpe: Microsoft Word - 2021 Blue Light Music
Therapy_Report_FINAL.docx (
bluelightsymphony.org)
37 | POLICE | AUGUST 2022
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