Our Women’s Vocal Group, developed in partnership with One Small Thing, was a part of a 12-week pilot programme that supported women who have been through the justice system. Through improvisational singing and activities, these music interventions aimed to empower women, promote community cohesion and reduce the risk of re-offending. The feedback we received on the group was incredible and echoes what we hear about other sessions we run that combine therapeutic work with music – they’re fun, they’re light – and yet they have huge impact. We hope to source funding to run the Group again.
Amelia began attending the group on a weekly basis in Spring 2022. Here, we share her story, in her words.
What did you enjoy most about the sessions?
I think I found that there was an element of mindfulness in it. No matter what was going on in my personal life, I’d come in, and for that certain period of time, I didn’t think about anything else. I left feeling a lot lighter, I guess. And also, it was just fun. It was one of the funnest things I’ve done in a long time!
I laughed, it was silly. I massively came out of my comfort zone, which I think is good for anyone. I love singing, I can’t sing but I love to sing. And I’ve never really sung in front of other people before.
And then as the weeks went on, we’d get louder and louder. And it was liberating. And now I’ll sing in the car with my friends, whereas I didn’t do that before. So I think it, increases your confidence. Yeah, I loved it to be fair.
Kate’s brilliant. You can’t really praise Kate enough. She just makes you feel safe enough to be like, who you really deeply are. Like, I would sing and dance and make weird noises and stuff like that, and I would never dare do that otherwise. I’m an awkward being but like, in that room, it was like you walk in and all of a sudden she made you feel safe enough to let loose and just be ridiculous. But it’s like the nicest feeling just like flailing your arms around and making noises.
How did the Vocal Group compare to other support programmes that you’ve done or are currently doing?
Well, I think it’s just completely different in the sense that it’s therapeutic but in a different kind of way. It’s not heavy, it’s solely fun and confidence building; and sometimes you need something that’s lighter and enjoyable. And I think I just always came away from the singing group on a little like, singing high. And it made my day better every Wednesday – when we had singing group that day was always a good day because you just like, bop around and you sing the songs that you’re singing. So yeah I think it’s a needed, lighter group.
When I first had singing group I was thinking that I cannot sing in front of people. But I pushed myself to go anyway, and once you’re there, it’s like the funnest thing ever! But that initial fact that you’re going to have to sing in front of other people, I think put people off in a way that… if they could just experience, like a little bit of it, I think people would be hooked ’cause it’s fun.
How does music and music-making make you feel?
It’s like I said before, I don’t have the ability to stress and overthink and worry about everything else when I’m focused on music. Like, everything else kind of just goes away for a bit. And having that hour and a half and not stressing is like, the most the nicest feeling. Like regardless if I leave and go and stress, I’ve had an hour and a half where I’ve just been like bopping along and laughing. So it’s like a liberated kind of intense feeling I think, where there was just nothing else, which is … I guess that’s what a lot of people need. It’s like mindfulness, isn’t it, that you find it in a more enjoyable way.
And how have the sessions supported your personal journey? What difference has it made, if any?
I think I am more confident now than I was before we started. And I think, like stepping out of your comfort zone makes you feel a little bit of pride. Like I always feel like ‘oh, yeah, I did it’. So my self-esteem has improved a bit. Just in the sense that like, I was doing something different. And I think singing in front of people is quite vulnerable, like you are ‘open’. And I think doing that in front of people that I trust… It’s kind of just, it’s allowed me to be that vulnerable and open a bit more, whether it’s like singing with my mom or singing…But it’s like, I’d have that space in the middle of the week where it was nothing but enjoyment. And it was very much needed. Like, you are coming to look forward, you always felt a sense of accomplishment. And yeah, I think just my overall confidence is… I’m more able to kind of speak aloud. Speaking doesn’t seem so daunting anymore because I’m not singing! But yeah, I think my confidence has improved.
What do you plan or hope to do next on your creative/musical journey?
I only did one ukulele session. And I played the ukulele like years ago – I learned it off YouTube. I did the one ukulele session; I went and bought a ukulele and then my best friend bought a ukulele and we played together. We’d go to the beach and just sit on Weston Shore and play the ukulele. And ’cause I didn’t have music lessons when I was younger, like, I kind of wish my parents had taught me playing an instrument. But I feel better in myself knowing that I’m doing something creative so I’m kind of embracing that and doing that when I can. Otherwise music-wise, I spend hours every day listening to music because it’s my happy place. I’ll sing regardless of the sound that comes out. But yeah, I think us lot kind of recreating that group, you know, carrying on the little sessions every week. It helps it just gives you like, something different to do. Yeah.
If we could do anything I think it’s bringing Kate back! Singing or ukulele…we’ll do anything if Kate’s there!
And would you look to join a music group that took place outside of the One Small Thing building?
Now that I’ve kind of done the singing group, and I know how much I enjoyed it and how much I benefited from it; I probably would join something similar that was out there. But yeah, I think I’ve realized now how much I enjoy that sort of like, just letting loose and being a bit silly. If I found something similar I’d happily do it, I think I feel confident enough.
