Creative Health

It was an interesting time exploring different instruments and playing them together – I felt a bit awkward to begin with but great after that. Ali made us feel safe and comfortable. I have enjoyed meeting people again. Thank you. It was nice to join in and listen to different types of music and play instruments which I never did before.

I liked the fact that these activities immediately involved the whole class. It has encouraged me to extend music beyond [traditional curriculum activities]. In the past we have been listening to music daily (DJ of the day) but not doing additional activities. The training gave me some ideas, inspiration and motivation to get more music back in the class. Thanks again for the course it was lovely to see somebody who clearly is extremely passionate about the delivery of music. You were great.

Heather came to see us on a glorious morning in July. The whole class sat outside listening to and talking about music, incredibly focussed, even at the end of term and with a Reception PE lesson happening at the other end of the field. Many children who I wouldn’t have expected made comments about how music makes them feel and everyone’s calm attentiveness showed how hard they were thinking about what was being shared with us. Thank you. it was such a lovely session and set us up for a really productive day.

Great – helps me relax and be myself. Ali is great thank you. Hope there will be more. I like using different instruments and learning rhythm. I’ve enjoyed the session. I liked playing the instruments. I liked the drum.

Ravenswood have been very lucky to have a music therapist working with us on a weekly basis. Out students look forward to their sessions and it has become part of their weekly routine which they always look forward too. Students with a range of needs (ASD, SEMH and other complex needs) have benefited from one on one sessions. They have developed their confidence and communication skills. Our students have been very open to the sessions. We have also recommended the service to other schools. Thank you so much to the therapists who are working with us!

I have long been aware of the immeasurable power of music and its ability to improve our wellbeing, lift our mood and connect us to one another. When North Somerset Music sent Heather Walters to support the vulnerable young people at Wickselm House they each began a therapeutic journey which supported them to grow and find joy in their surroundings. Heather is a skilled and empathetic practitioner who provides a safe adult base for young people to discover and build resilience through a shared love of music and making noise.