A workshop on participatory music in mental health settings takes place in May

WHAT, in collaboration with ArtLinks, will host a CPD workshop for musicians and healthcare professionals working in mental health settings that will practically explore a range of approaches to engaging mental health service users in participatory music experiences and creating a space whereby creativity can flourish.

This workshop, which will be facilitated by Kevin O’Shanahan and Caoimhe Conlon of MusicAlive, is based on the learning from Kevin’s year-long research project entitled Musical Mines that was funded by the Arts Council and was part of the Waterford Healing Arts Trust Music in Mental Health programme in 2009. The focus of this bursary was on finding new ways of developing the creative expression of participants during music and health sessions in mental health contexts.

MusicAlive has further developed the musical techniques appropriate to this more creative approach to music and health work. This unique way of working will be facilitated using appropriate musical ideas which have been used successfully within a variety of mental health settings.

The workshop will also address working within the framework of the Participatory Arts Practice in Healthcare Contexts (HSE South Arts + Health Programme and Waterford Healing Arts Trust) by focusing on its practical application to work in health settings.  There will also be an opportunity for musicians to discuss any issues and challenges that may arise from working in the area of mental health.

Musical Mines – approaches to Participatory Music in Mental Health Settings.
Saturday 15 May 2010, 10am – 4pm, at the WHAT Centre for Arts and Health. Admission €30 (to include lunch), €27 for members of Artlinks. To book a place, please phone 051-842664 or e-mail WHAT@hse.ie by 30 April.