Key Changes

‘Music - it’s like you can get your soul back. With music you can definitely identify with what someone else has been experiencing and think ‘Hold on a minute, I’m not alone’. That’s what music does.’ – Key Changes participant

Established in 1998 by a group of mental health service users, Key Changes was set up with a focus on using music as a therapeutic treatment for individuals coping with mental health disorders. This stemmed from the recognition that musical activities can improve the confidence and self-esteem of those with mental health issues through allowing them to express emotions, combat feelings of isolation, as well as developing new creative skills.

Originally named the Islington Music Forum, the group has rapidly expanded both geographically and in the breadth of services it provides. In the beginning, the organisation worked solely within hospitals in the Islington area but as they progressed into hospitals in both North and South London they saw fit to change their name. Patients are treated to music sessions with a DJ, microphone and various instruments and are urged to perform to others, be it singing, poetry or rap. Ultimately, the patients are encouraged to have fun.

When individuals arrive at Key Changes they are matched with an activity that suits them and are given the chance to express themselves whilst developing a new talent. During their time with Key Changes the individuals are aided in identifying a progression route. This could take any form including college courses and volunteering programmes.  

For the participants at Key Changes, the opportunity to take part in the music project has been invaluable. One participant says ‘When I get on the mic it’s good. When there’s problems that you can’t communicate properly, it’s like a way of expressing what I’m feeling and getting away from all the stress.’

In the future Key Changes plans to continue to address the stigma associated with mental illness and to provide opportunities that cannot be found elsewhere by developing links with the mainstream music sector.

Quotes

‘Key Changes is amazing. It’s a very good workshop. And it’s helped in so many ways, from coming in and putting down the music in the studio to going out and performing in sessions. I think that, being mentally ill, if you don’t have someone, like a team or care coordinator, you could feel isolated.’

Created 8th January 2013

Key Changes benefits from Attend membership, which includes comprehensive charity insurance cover. For more information, or to join, please click here.