For Gaynor, picking up the saxophone once again has become a source of great anticipation. Years of grappling with schizophrenia led her to believe she would never play again. But now, as part of an initiative by occupational therapists, she is set to perform an original song with a band at Absolute Music Trust. This journey has given her a sense of reconnection to music and a glimmer of hope for the future.

Unlock the Power of Music in Healing Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia and the Loss of Music

For a long time, Gaynor's schizophrenia prevented her from enjoying the joy of playing the saxophone. Having performed with bands across Bournemouth, the diagnosis came as a shock, and she felt she had lost a significant part of her life. But as she joined the initiative, she began to realize that music could still hold a special place in her heart.Music has always been a powerful medium for expression and emotion. For those with schizophrenia, it can offer a way to connect with the world and themselves. Gaynor's story is a testament to the healing power of music in the face of mental health challenges.

The Birth of the Initiative

Dorset Community Foundation took the initiative to set up a signposting service, guiding service users to join music rehab sessions. This initiative has been running for over a year, with the goal of eventually having the band perform in front of an audience. Occupational therapist Lorna Farmer had the idea after noticing that many of her patients in the outreach programme identified music as a meaningful occupation. They realized there was a real unmet need and decided to take action.Ms Farmer and a group of fellow occupational therapists partnered with Absolute Music, a venue in Bournemouth that offers a wide range of musical opportunities. One by one, they spoke to service users like Gaynor until they had enough people to form a group.

Gaynor's Journey of Reconnection

Joining the group has been a transformative experience for Gaynor. She said, "For a good 10 years, I didn't play. It's been very difficult to manage my illness, but playing music gives me a positive outlet. It's something I really used to love doing before my illness."Playing with the band has given her a reconnection to music and a sense of purpose. It gets her out of the house, helps her focus, and gives her something to look forward to. Now, as they prepare to perform their original song, Feeling Good Today, on 12 December at Absolute Music, she feels like she has regained a little part of her life.The band members have also grown in confidence through their participation. They have gone from spending a lot of time at home, isolated, to working together as a supportive group. Ms Farmer is excited for them and proud of the progress they have made.Music has truly become a lifeline for these individuals, helping them overcome the challenges of schizophrenia and find joy in life once again.