We are always keen to find innovative and out of the ordinary ways to get people active and through the work of the Essex Local Delivery Pilot (LDP), the aim is to build healthier, more active, vibrant and resilient communities across the county. The LDP has helped fund an exciting project in Basildon called Together in Musical Expression, or also referred to as ‘T.I.M.E to Move’ or ‘T.I.M.E’.
T.I.M.E was initially a weekly 2-hour music group, which engaged people from the age of 30-78 living with mental or physical disability, carers and their friends and families in a variety of musical activities, designed to encourage physical movement and promote confidence and wellbeing. In the group, a strong focus was placed on song writing to enable an additional channel for attendees to express their thoughts and feelings and gain a greater sense of increased self-esteem.
T.I.M.E was approached by the Stroke Association after they received feedback from Stroke survivors across South Essex who showed a desire to take part in more physical activity through creative outlets. Developed alongside the Stroke Association, T.I.M.E now strive to provide an accessible environment which enables essential social inclusion, physical stimulus via musical activity and creative awareness of attendees.
For some, social isolation, particularly during Covid, had taken a great toll on their mental health but T.I.M.E provided essential structure, routine, and social inclusion. Many spoke fondly of wishing to continue this musical and physical exercise and promoted numerous discussions of how the group could carry these newfound skills forward in their lives.
Lin, session attendee said: “T.I.M.E and the fantastic instructors do so much for the community! I really don’t think they realise what a difference they’ve made to all our lives and I feel really blessed to have been in the sessions. I would like to thank T.I.M.E for all they have done and look forward to future projects going forward.”
When we asked T.I.M.E if they had faced any challenges when starting the group, they explained the group needed to ensure that the venue had good accessibility for all. Some issues were highlighted, such as parking and ensuring they had access to a ground floor room to make toilet breaks easier for wheelchair users or for those who have reduced physical capabilities.
A plan, currently in motion, is to perform the groups composition to the public in their local community. T.I.M.E operate a weekly disability club night in Basildon Town Centre and a live performance will take place following Covid guidelines. None of the participants had any previous musical experience and entering such an environment can be scary. However, from day one, each participant engaged physically, contributed musical and lyrical ideas, spoke openly about their experiences, encouraged each other to express themselves and provided an example of how physical participation via musical activities can be a life changing experience.
We can’t wait to hear about how the performance in Basildon goes, and we have no doubt this group will continue to support members of the community. You can find out more about their work at their Facebook page: @timeessex or visit their website: https://www.timemusictherapy.co.uk/
